by Glitter | Jun 24, 2015 | Fashion, How To, Travel
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Macaroons, croissants, wine and baguettes to you all! This week I’m blogging from the quaint cobblestone streets of Paris as I take on the city one board room at a time. In between fierce meetings (Buy! Sell! Buy! Buy!) I’m finding myself exploring this beautiful city as a flâneur (a person of leisure wandering the streets) and clearly brushing up on my French! My goal is that when I take the stage in a celebrity death match-style karaoke battle later this evening I won’t be told “tu chantes du yaourt” which literally translates to “you sing yogurt!” That’s apparently a French thing. Yogurt singers. While my French obviously needs a wee bit of brushing up, my French fashion style is on point! After many a fun trip to France for the work ( ooh I sound so fancy), I’ve become pretty aware of what makes Parisian women some of the most fashionable in the world. So grab your beret and your over-sized sunglasses because I am about to share with you five ways you can bring ze Parisian flair to your daily wear. Props to my lovely Parisian coworkers for being French, stylish, and willing to allow me to chase them with a camera.
- Structured Pants: Many still consider Paris the fashion capital of the world and while we are often enthralled with what’s happening on the runway, the fashion on the streets can be just as notable. There’s a perception that French women rock the fancy frocks all the time, but the reality is that they want to be as comfortable in their day to day wear as you and I (sans yoga pants; sad face). The French love a good pair of trousers for their versatility and comfort level. The average lady on the street would much rather be in a nice pair of slacks coupled with a stylish top than to be dressed to the nines on a day to day basis.
- Minimal Make-Up: When it comes to make-up, French women abide by the “less is more” philosophy, which also happens to be my personal philosophy on eating steamed carrots. In this theory, make-up should be nude and almost invisible, used to merely enhance your natural features yet not stand out on its own. The rare exception might be a pop of color on the lips for a little ooh la la man flirting. This way the only thing that should be standing out is the bootay!
- A Fitted Staple Jacket: Another stand out wardrobe staple for the ladies of Paris is a well-cut jacket that is tailored to their body. Rather than having a closet full of jackets that almost fit, French women will spend the big bucks to have one or two jackets made especially for their body for daily wear. And with the versatility of a exceptionally tailored jacket they really get their money’s worth.
- A Statement Scarf: French women love to spice up an outfit with a sassy neck scarf. With all the amazing fashion brands available in Paris, the scarf is the most financially accessible for the average person to add to their wares. In order to incorporate upscale elements into their outfit, French women rely on scarves to help show the season’s current trends without breaking the bank. It’s almost like French women invented the phrase “ballin on a budget!”
- Neutral Palette: I have also found that French women dress in primarily neutral colors, especially black, to serve multiple purposes. Relying on nominal but thoughtful accessories to add interest to the look, French women can wear their neutral palette wardrobe in a variety of ways to make an expensive but minimal wardrobe serve any event. (Just beware of that powdered sugar on your delicious crepes! It will leave hand prints. And trust me, trying to lick them off does not work. )
You can combine these looks together or you can pick and choose different elements to create your own je ne sais quoi! Now, I am off to a power lunch with a street mime, a plate of cheese, and copious amounts of wine. It doesn’t get much Frenchier than that! Au revoir, chiennes!
by Glitter | Jun 22, 2015 | Fashion
This fancy pants plus size blogger had one hell of a week. First I suffered through what can only be called the death star cold. It was like all the snot from all the noses in the world decided to move into my respiratory system and executed a hostile take over. It was the worst. In the midst of all this, I found out I needed to be better by the weekend because I was flying to Paris! So basically my week was all: “hack hack. cough cough. What the hell am I going to pack? I need more Kleenex. Macaroons for every meal! Why is that Lifetime movie not on iTunes yet? cough cough. sniffle” Here’s a a round up of what I wore this week.
On Monday I got sentimental AND sporty. I combined deep thoughts with a sassy pair of City Chic clearance harem pants, a Forever 21 crop, and a Fabeltics tank top worn backwards. Because sometimes I do that- wear clothes backwards. I’m rocking my favorite pair of nike air max (they’re sparkley!) and wistfully dreamy gaze off into the sunset.
On Tuesday I tried my first dress from Gwynnie Bee, this little Triste number. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. I wore this stain glass masterpiece with a tutu from Charlotte Russe Plus underneath to ad a pop of pizazz and some extra length I desperately needed.
On Wednesday I took amazon scarf and tied it as a cute tube top. I layered it over a basic cotton staple skirt from Primark. I kept the vibe chill and sun rays soaked in by complementing the look with my favorite pair of vintage shades and my go to teva flip flops.
Thursday meant round two of my Gwynnie Bee arrivals. I paired the this beach print dress from Jete with an orange crocodile belt and a cardigan from Forever 21. For accessories I wore basket weave shoes and gussied up my bun with a string of artificial flowers.
Friday I had this weird 80s lazy rocker chic look going on. Check out my Madonna inspired lace fringe top from ASOS worn over a pink swimsuit top and leather look leggings from Macy’s. I wore my favorite worn out Clark’s brogues with a pair of aviators that somehow ended up in my house, but definitely aren’t mine.
Saturday was little hippy dippie as created a quasi festival lucky, which I then proudly donned at the arcade. It was a festival of gaming! The peplum crop top is Eloquii paired with black leggings and a kimono from Swimsuits for All. I wore it all with my absolute fav metallic crocodile shoes from ASOS and necklace a friend purchased for me in India.
Sunday’s look rounds out the comfort parade. I pared my mesh sleeved top with basic back leggings and a fringe scarf I made myself out of an old t-shirt. It might be the only craft I ever did successfully.I style the look with a delicious s’more frappacino and Crocs. Don’t hate on my Crocs. They’re comfortable and I love them.
by Glitter | Jun 17, 2015 | Fashion
Ah, the summer solstice is upon us again…a time to celebrate the joy, warmth, and laughter of summer. It can be a time of purification (schedule that colonic!), renewal (Netflix subscription!), and healing of the self and soul (or as I call it, a three day weekend binge drinking in Cabo). And in the Glamorous World of Glitter, that means it’s also time to renew my wardrobe for SUMMER VACATION! In order to kick off what is sure to be my most kick ass summer ever, I’ve compiled Glitter’s Summer Essentials Guide. Whether your excursions are for work or for play there will be no sacrificing of style (or humans for that matter) when you stick with these six fundamental pieces.
Wide Brimmed Hat
What is more glamorous than lounging pool side with a wide brimmed hat protecting that delicate porcelain skin? (Or, in my case, trying to hide the smeared mascara from channeling my inner Ke$ha the night before.) These hats offer great sun protection while looking chic and sophisticated. So go ahead and brush your teeth with a bottle of Jack, a wide brimmed hat is sure to hide your previous evening’s indiscretions. Five below, has a ton of these cuties, at $5 a pop, you can score few without feeling guilty.
Tribal Print Romper
Plain and simple, rompers are THE laziest way to look fancy. And the tribal print is so popular right now because it creates the illusion of being tall and slim. Not to mention they are so comfortable and require literally no effort to wear. Fancy, tall, slim and comfortable?? Sign me the hell up. I’ve pretty much fallen head over heels with Rue 21’s rompers this season, 2 for $25? I’ll take them all!
Colorful Sarong
First of all, can anyone say the word “sarong” without breaking into Sisqo’s 1999 Summer Anthem “Thong Song?” It’s a challenge to even type “sarong” without singing in my head “Sa-rong, sa-rong, sa-rong.” Sarongs are extremely versatile; for about $9.99 on Amazon (link here) you’re looking at something that can be used as a skirt, shirt, scarf, belt, and bathing suit cover-up. Your dress will be so scandalous and ya know the other brothers couldn’t handle it. Curses…there’s that Sisqo again!
Floral Shorts
For so long I was afraid to wear patterns on the lower half of my body because it makes ze butt look big. Well newsflash people: my butt is big and I’m proud! In fact, I’m so proud I have decided to dub this “the summer of the bootay.” Floral shorts can take a simple t-shirt and class it up. T-shirt with khaki shorts gives the impression that you’re a young food delivery kid. But a t-shirt and floral shorts and suddenly you are Ms. Fancy Pants strutting her stuff down Rodeo Drive. Live the dream, free the bootay.
Retro Style Sunglasses
Retro Style Sunglasses instantly adds something different to your look. It’s a finishing piece to any outfit, really. Plain and simple: they are cool. I love them. I own several. You should, too. **drops mic**
Chambray Shirt
Is there anything hotter than Jay Leno’s denim on denim look? When that handsome silver fox would do his “man on the street” bits for the Tonight Show I must say that this girl really stood up and paid attention. We can’t all be as visually stunning as Jay Leno, but we can invest in a great Chambray Shirt. White shirts get so dirty so easily (here’s looking at you, last night’s queso). A good chambray shirt will hide dirt, be visually interesting and won’t wrinkle as much. And for you jet setters, they travel really well. This is truly a great staple for your wardrobe. (Also…call me Jay Leno. I’m available.)
There you have it; six essentials for any summer wardrobe. Here’s to summer and its long days and short nights! Let’s truly make Summer 2015 The Summer of the Bootay (bootay rockin everywhere)!
by Glitter | Jun 14, 2015 | Fashion
It’s been another fashion forward week in the land of Glitter. Bring me your color, bring me your sass. Here’s what I walked the runway of life in this week!Catch that
I absolutely love this cover up/tunic/ dress/ whatever it is from a new plus size fashion designer on the block, Qurvii. I kept it simple by wearing it with my trusty Lola Getts leggings and my favorite Asos metallic heeled brogues. The belt is an oldie but good from igigi the sunglasses are a street buy from Los Angeles. Lest we forget that tasty cupcakes, from Austin’s own Hey, Cupcake.
Tuesday I amped up the sexual prowess with a lovely steal of a dress from ideel. The red heels from UK’s New Look said, Take me serious or I will cut you. I accessorized the look with sleek hair, red MAC lipstick and a bold Vince Comuto cocktail ring.
Wednesday I had my favorite costar tag along to show of one of my favorite summer looks. The jacket is from the most recent release from Fabletics the crop is a vintage tee that I got crafty with and created myself. The jeans- shocker- are from Eddie Bauer proving that you really should experiment and shop everywhere. Lastly the shoes are Cole Haan.
Thursday things got a little weird, as they tend to do with me. The dress is from Simplybe worn again over Lola Getts Leggings and topped with a target style vest. I snazzed up the look with my favorite chucks, a reclaimed vintage necklace and a steal of a monster hat from Five Below. Also pigtails, I forgot how cute you could be!
Friday I played homage to my addiction for jail time rabble rousing in this Orange is the New Black inspired look. I’m wearing a Urban Outfitters pork pie hat ( from the men’s section) and bold statement earrings (illlllluminatiiii) from Top Shop and my favorite orange tunic from New Look. I threw on my comfy Old Navy leggings and the most comfortable heeled boots in the world from Jones to round the look out. I ended up looking criminally good.
Saturday I kept the swimwear sexy realness coming STRONG. I paired one of my favorite seasonal finds, a wide brimmed hat from Five Below, with a pin up style suit from Target. I layered the look with an aztec inspired necklace from Oliver Bonas, a lovely $7 sarong from Amazon and some sassy metallic leather flats from Asos.
Sunday I kept it lazy, comfy and low key. I styled my hair with a vintage scarf tied into a bow and added depth by wearing it with a patterned tunic from Marimekko. Styled with a pair of basic black capris, a pair of red Cole Haan brogues and stand out gold statement necklace… this low key look still turns heads.
by Glitter | Jun 9, 2015 | Fashion, How To
Last night as I drifted off to sleep , I had a dream, nay, a vision if you will, of where to next. And what, pray tell, could have been so overwhelming that I am devoting today’s blog post to this nighttime reverie? Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg came to me in a gloriously unanticipated vision to inspire this little old blog of sparkle and sass. Yes, THAT Ruth Bader Ginsburg; the Justin Timberlake of the United States Supreme Court Justices, if you will. And let’s be real here; when The Notorious RBG comes to you in a dream, you listen!
AP Photo by Ron Edmonds
“Glitter, I’m tired of looking like a pile of sadness and cat hairballs in all my media photos. I’m a government official, sigh. I can’t just glam them up with snazzy accessories. God knows I’ve tried! But the sideways glances I’m already getting from Sotomayor as it is… What can I do to dramatically improve my photos?”
“You’ve come to the right place Ginsy…Can I call you Ginsy?…Too informal?… Ok good, Ginsy it is.”
And thus this little masterpiece was begun in the wee hours of the morning as I subconsciously tried to piece together how to improve on sweet ole Ginsy’s photo prowess. It was my civic duty to take her from shabby to “dayum gurl where’d you get that lace neckerchief from??” I narrowed my advice down to three main areas. So grab your closest bible and I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about my three easy tips to look your best in photos.
- Personality is EVERYTHING in a photo
First and foremost, always let your personality shine through, whether it be through your eyes, your body language, or letting loose and just guffawing your way through a photo shoot. Nobody likes a one and done-er, not in the bedroom and definitely not in photos. Digital is amazing! It’s no longer like ye old days where you had to fork over cash for film, were limited to 24 photos and had to wait an eon for those little suckers to develop. Oh, no indeed. You can take 60 picture bursts at a time to hopefully grab that one picture that captures the essence of YOU. So go on have a little fun, be yourself, take some horrible photos for the chance of scoring that one epic shot. And when you find that one photo that showcases exactly how you feel inside, it’s quite possibly the best feeling in the world.
- Pose your body to showcase your best ASSets
You put your right arm in, you put your right arm out…you know the drill! When it comes to showing your best self, maybe the Hokey Pokey IS what it’s all about. So take those body parts you feel uncomfortable with, whether it be your waist, chest, or arms, and push them ever so slightly away from the camera. Meanwhile, let’s accentuate the positive! Bring those body parts that you know will bring the heat towards the camera to feature them. Some features are hard to showcase this way, so if you have and amazing waist you want to flaunt, a careful hip pop and hands on your hips are great ways to further define those curves!
- Seated pose? Lift dat booty!
Look, if you have to take a photo sitting down, this can often lead to what I like to refer to as the smooshed Tootsie Roll effect on your thighs. You know what I’m talking about; every kid has taken their delicious morsel of cylindrical chocolaty goodness and squished it down until it was flat. This is appealing as a candy but dangerous in photos. Nobody’s photo aspirations include showcasing their thighs in this pancake state. The only flapjacks a girl wants are on a plate. With butter. And Syrup. And some fresh Berries. Awe hell, throw in the cream. If you find yourself in this situation never fear! I’ve taken to using a yoga trick that has worked wonders in my seated positions. Grab the closest seat back pillow and ever so subtly slide it under your backside. This will force you to sit a little bit straighter, and at the same time prevent that Denny’s midnight special thigh look we would all want to avoid. It’s a win/win sitch!
Remember, white is one of the hardest colors to photograph in, especially on a plus sized gal like myself. However, I just followed the three simple steps listed above to make things work even in the most difficult of filming situations. So say a special thank you to Justice Ginsburg, for making this post possible. Also, Ginsy, can you please stop making guest appearances in my dream world? That precious time is best devoted to the likes of sexy, Glitter adoring man meat.
by Glitter | Jun 7, 2015 | Fashion
Monday’s look screamed “SUMMMMMER” loud an clear. I kept it simple pairing a dress I scored for $15 off Groupon with some vintage jewelry I inherited from my mother. I added a super sassy pop of color with a pair of teal sandals from Target.
Tuesday I notched the weird factor up to an extreme and rocked this anime inspired look. I paired a t-shirt from my last visit to Disney World with acid jean shorts worn over purple disco pants (both from Amazon). I topped off the look with an Old Navy Sweat shirt, Nike Sky Hi Dunks and some earring from Sparkle City Jewelry made of actual sprinkles!!
Wednesday I kept it oh so classy while also keeping oh so fun. I paired a bright sexy secretary blouse from Monif C with a bold splatter painted skirt from Miss Guided. I accented the look with Crocs ( yes, Crocs!), a light up ring from Target, and my adorable pooch- Data.
Thursday I brought some juicy thighs and some tribal realness. I paired an adorable romper from Rue 21 with a vintage blazer from Calvin Klein. I accented my waist with a fun belt from Lane Bryant and styled the look with a top bun, some of my personal earrings, and that light up ring (again).
Friday is about comfort in the house of color and glitter. I let me favorite theme tshirt (from Woot) be the star of the show. I styled the look with a big sassy scarf bow. Because if I don’t wear at least on head bow a week, I get cranky.
Saturday I continued my tradition of rocking my finest swimwear. I strutter my stuff in a Forever 21 Fatkini with a scarf-turned sarong- that I purchased from Amazon. I styled the look with some well worn Tevas ( God, they are so comfy), vintage sunglasses, and again that little pink, light up ring from Target.
Today’s outfit was a little bit of love for my new home state of Texas. I giggled hysterically at this Skinny Limits food truck. My life struggle as a mantra on a mobile machine of food. I’m wearing a chambray dress from old navy over Lola Getts leggings. I top the Look off with a Goorin Brothers Hat, a sassy obi belt, an Hermes scarf, vintage earrings and my favorite cowboy boots that I picked up in Brasil. Lets not forget the amaze balls Texas straw which I snagged from Five Below, the one store that I really feels understands all my kitsch needs.
And that’s the week in review. That’s it. There’s no more. I swear. Stop reading. The End.
