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.
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.
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To kick of the New Year, I wanted to do something, well, new. So I decided I will spend January 2018 trying out plus size brands I’m not super familiar with. I think often times get into the habit of relying on our old favorites and I personally want to make sure I am always pushing myself to try new things.
Trying Rue 21 For The First Time
Today’s look comes from Rue 21. Please forgive the horrid photo quality. I took these images in 15 degree weather with wind blowing down on me- making it feel like a frigid 5 degrees. So I wasn’t really focused on the perfect image. i was focused on survival. I’m alive mostly because this pink faux fur bomber was way warmer than expected- a steal at only $20. I threw this fluffy cotton candy coat over a black lace up cropped long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of front seamed stirrup Jeggings also from Rue 21. I then threw on my trusty unicorn shoes, because I needed their sparkly super powers to make it through the blustery ice box that is NYC today.
My Final Review
I did a full haul video below that showcases each items from my order, shows how it fits and whether or not it met my expectations,
Overall I find Rue 21 to be a great affordable plus size option, but could perhaps benefit from better auditing of the non-store brand selections they offer. This would help increase the sizing consistency in-store and make online ordering easier. For example, the only items that weren’t up to standard were from clothing Rue 21 carried, but were not responsible for producing.
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.
It has been a month of training in Academy Sports + Outdoors plus size active gear and I couldn’t be more impressed. The gear is not only extremely affordable, it’s held up. I am super excited because today I have partnered with Academy to help one of you lucky unicorns the chance to experience those everyday low prices. for yourself!I am giving away a $100 gift card to Academy! Entering is simple, just leave a comment on this Instagram post sharing one way you love to move and tag a friend. Winner must be following @academy to be eligible to win. Entries close Jan 1 and winner will be chosen at random and announced on Jan 3. You can enter as often as you like.
Academy makes it easy to gift and give, so to show you just how far $100 dollars can go at Academy, I put together this quick look. Did you know Academy also carries plus gear from a variety of fitness brands? I scored this adorable Columbia zip up and you will have to rip it from my cold dead hands. Not only is it lightweight and comfy as all get out, it is also the absolutely perfect shade of coral. It just lights up the chilly days (and my face) whenever I wear it. To start a new year of training off right, I also got these amazing Nike flex experience sneakers in a size 12 (Yes, big footed girls they have shoes for us!). They’re so flexible and might be my most comfortable pair of sneakers yet. Lastly, I added a pair of BCG Plus terry joggers . The result is the perfect outfit to support my active lifestyle in the cooler winter months.
Thanks to Academy for sponsoring this post and good luck!
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.
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. 
Today’s look comes from Rue 21. Please forgive the horrid photo quality. I took these images in 15 degree weather with wind blowing down on me- making it feel like a frigid 5 degrees. So I wasn’t really focused on the perfect image. i was focused on survival. I’m alive mostly because this
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.
It has been a month of training in Academy Sports + Outdoors plus size active gear and I couldn’t be more impressed. The gear is not only extremely affordable, it’s held up. I am super excited because today I have partnered with Academy to help one of you lucky unicorns the chance to experience those everyday low prices. for yourself!I am giving away a $100 gift card to Academy! Entering is simple, just leave a comment on
