Given the awesome launch of the Torrid Fall plus size denim campaign, and the fact I am smack center in it climbing a ladder like a luscious lemur lady, I decided to devote this weeks haul to one of my favorite retail stores.
Here’s the video. I try on lots of cuts I’d never tried from Torrid before and frankly I loved everything. Links below to all the items I tried on!
I first met Claire, owner of the plus size indie brand Copper Union, over Instagram. Since our initial magical discussion I swore we were kindred spirits. Even more bizarre- her best friend from college works at my office. Like a real, not interwebs, life connection. It’s a sign from the universe! Interstellar signs people! Sparkles. Space Magic. Booming voice of omni-powerful being. One cannot ignore them. So Claire sent me a few pieces to try out. Naturally I loved them, but I felt getting clothes from a kindred spirit and just writing a blog is keeping things a bit too close to the chest. If we really are Anne of Green Gables bosom buddies, we should try to change the world together. Because, that’s just what you do. Girl power and all that stuff.
When Claire and I started scheming it was clear we were on the same page. Let’s do something fun to make people happier. And thus the concept of #CopperGlitter was born. A giveaway, where everyone wins a little bit by participating, and one lucky unicorn/ feminine warrior/ human who appreciates pretty things will have a little extra fashion magic added to their life.
So what’s this #CopperGlitter thing all about? We want to know what makes you body positive. What do you love about yourself, how do you celebrate your amazing body everyday? Claire and I use clothing to highlight not hide our bodies. We want to encourage you to do the same. Tell us why you love your curves, your lumps and bumps, your ‘imperfections’!
How to Enter:
1. Share a photo on Instagram and tell us why you, love you.
2. Follow and tag @glitterandlazers and @copperunion
3. Use the hashtag #copperglitter
We will pick a winner on June 1. You will receive an awesome Stevie Shrug from Copper Union + a special super custom surprise from moi. We can’t wait to see your body love! Good luck!
If you’re curious what a Stevie Shrug looks like, just look up. This is the Copper Union Black & White Geo Stevie Shrug paired with Nika Pencil Skirt (you can’t tell from the photo but it has this cool baroque-ish pattern detail that I am obsessed with). I paired these amazing Copper Union pieces with a few oldie but goodie items I just love. A pair of lace up marble faux snake skin shoes from ASOS, a forever 21 tribal bodycon crop top, and few necklaces I picked up on clearance from Charming Charlie really bring this look to life. The top necklace is another amazing one of Claire’s Copper Union designs that unfortunately is no longer available.
So recently I invested in a classy bedazzler, because I decided my life needed more sparkle. I imagined myself in a 100% rhinestone encrusted jumpsuit, sparkling like the glitter bomb I am. However, after about 15 minutes with my new favorite heat backed crystal heating gadget, I realized I would have at most 20 stones in me, before I got bored and moved on to something else.
So I put my mind to use and tried to brainstorm an appropriate 20-30 stone project, that would really add some glint to my glam, with out leaving me on the floor, with burnt fingers and cursing the world. I should note when it comes to crafting, I usually accidentally light something on fire or end up super gluing my thumb to my forehead. I was made to buy, not construct- for the sake of humanity.
However, I found this bikini top during a shopping trip to Forever 21 and fireworks went off in my my brain. “I need rhinestones,” It spoke to me. “You have rhinestones. Let together and have beautiful beautiful fashion babies.” And I listened because when clothing speaks to me, I this ears sit down, perk up and take those magical words in.
So the next week during one of those three hour meetings that you want to claw your eyes out, I was smiling. As we discuss return and delivery and [insert whatever business jargon you want] I was giddily rhinestoning my bikini top. And it didn’t look good, it looked freaking incredible.
And I’m obsessed with it. It’s this amazingly sassy and glamorous suit, that no one else has. BECAUSE I MADE IT. This is especially important because I have a giant bag of craft projects I tried to complete, only to give up, and buy something similar. I just wasn’t built to craft. So actually being able to complete something AND have it look awesome was a rare gift from the style sirens.
And then it just snowballed from there. I found this amazing tulle skirt from Deb, used my favorite Vera Wang necklace as a belt, and coated my lips in a vicious electric shade of red-pink. I am just feeling myself so hard. Because I crafted, and it was good……and no one died, I didn’t burn my house down, Data still has a tail, and my hands remain unglued. SUCCESS.
So I am a sucker for anything that is sequined and sparkly, so it should come as no surprise that I squealed with delight when Ruby + Lilli sent me this amazing plus size T-shirt all the way from Australia. I have used this as an excuse to say shrimp on the barbie 3 times today; listen the shirt demanded it. I just listened. I feel like today’s outfit was really inspire by my friend Laura who has basically made her career being a cool as all get out tomboy. She works for a global shoe brand. She has done karaoke at celebrities houses. She isn’t a stuck up jerk face. Basically, I want to be her. She’s the type of girl who rocks baggy t-shirts and track pants and still looks like she’s just stepped out cloud of conveniently placed, celebrity alluding fog. As much of a tomboy as I am, no magic fog has ever appeared when I put on a oversized sweatshirt and house pants.
So this is a nod to style I love, but just doesn’t suit me. Like “hello I see you there, lookin’ all cute. I am going to put your thing down flip it an reverse it.” Pairing this t-shirt with something edgy and original was essential, and this funky, faux leather skirt from Eloquii, was a perfect match. PS said skirt is on super clearance right now. No one paid me to say this, but this thing is a boss ass bitch essential and totally worth $24 sale price. This skirt and tee are styled with Sam Edelman cow hide flats, a vintage Ralph Lauren scarf, and collection of bangles and wrist baubles from my travels.
I should note, I’ve really enjoy the spirit of this shirt. It feels girly and at the same time low key and nonchalant. That’s a hard line to walk. I feel like I could easily put this under a blazer and rock it at a meeting; the writing is subtle enough to be both work appropriate and fabulous. I also just appreciate the blessing that is a really soft t-shirt. The kind you don’t have to wear in. The kind you don’t have to go Edward Scissor Hands on to feel like a woman while wearing it. Comfort, what a novel concept.
Also it goes without saying, I really enjoy brands that unabashedly cater to a broader array of sizes. It’s not an easy thing to do so I applaud Ruby & Lilli for making options for lots of women, versus just a small percentage. We appreciate it, especially when you’re get it oh so so right.
I hate nearly every term for underwear. Panties? They sound like a term for baby pants. Briefs? That would like the type of work that has you clawing your eyes at 3 pm when you realize you have 2 hours left and not enough sanity to bare it. Bikinis? All the fun of the name, but none of the vacation, sandy beaches and tropical drinks that come with it. Thongs? Those were ruined by an unfortunate song in the 90s. Thanks Sisqo.
What I also hated, for the longest time, was how there were simply no good, every day underwear options. For example, panties that rocked some awesome butt cleavage or barely cover your naughty bits, were available a plenty. Also available? Underwear big enough and high enough to double as a crop top. I am not kidding. I almost bought a pair to prove this very point. It would have been an awesome crop top. But these options as every day panties? Nope.
So I started a mission, I would try every brand I possibly could until I found those diamonds in the lingerie drawer. And try underwear, I did. Tons of it. I wasted so much money. I got frustrated many times that I had just spent money on things that were terrible, itchy, and in some cases left scratch marks on my thighs like a wild animal clawing away from lady bits. But in the end I emerged with 4 solid solutions. And frankly it was totally worth it.
There’s nothing fancy about these basic cotton panties, but that’s exactly why they’re the best. For $12 a pack, they’re a bargain. The midi rise offers a lot of coverage with out feeling like I’m wearing a sexless pair of grayed haired grandma panties. The cotton construction makes them breathable and ideal for day to day wear. They aren’t as durable as the other pairs I came to love, but the price is right and the construction is good.
I originally ordered these undies because I liked the brand’s mission, being both size inclusive and advocate for empowering women. That said, when I first got these boy shorts in the mail I was skeptical. I loved the styling, but I felt like they were going to end up like most cotton banded underwear-feeling heavy, bunchy and just getting weird in my down under. However, I lived in these underwear for 24 hours and I actually had separation anxiety when I had to put them into the wash. I also immediately called my girlfriend who wears men’s underwear because girl gear is too “frou frou” for her and demanded she buy a pair. Writing this blurb actually reminded me to go and buy a few more pairs and I see they have these adorable rainbow banded pairs for pride week. I’ll take two.
Three: Glamour + Comfort- Hanky Panky Retro V-kiniEvery pair of underwear with lace that I had tested to this point has ripped either in the first wear or in the first wash, I was pretty much wearing my lace face of ultimate disgrace when I laid down $37 for another pair of lace underwear . So it was with great hesitation I put my card down knowing I’d be kissing away my drink money for the week for a pair of underwear that would likely disintegrate in my hands. After wearing the pair I was pretty impressed, comfortable and lacy.. who knew that existed. I dropped them in the washer and said a prayer. They emerged unscathed. It was like a panty miracle. 10 washes later, this pair still looks like new. So yeah, they’re expensive, but you wont be replacing them as often. And with a variety of cuts that I enjoy, I know I can even wear these when I want to add a little spice to my outfit. Pro tip: shop the sale section, same great panties, half the price.
Thigh Society read a post of mine about wearing bike shorts under dresses to prevent chub rub in India and gave me a pair of the high rise anti-chafing panty short to test. I was super impressed. Usually the only “anti-chaf shorts/underwear” are shape wear. Which means you have to feel like a sausage stuffed in a casing of underwear hell to prevent chub rub. Thigh Society is different. They’re super stretchy, super comfortable, and keep you dry. The last bits important because chafing isn’t just an affect or rubbing, it’s also a result of candy juicy thigh sweat. I wore these babies in million degree weather in Costa Rica and emerged with no panties lines, no chafing and no awkwardly wet bum. These are now my go undergarment for sundress season.
What brands did I miss that you love? Share them in the comments! Also check out last weeks post on the best plus size bralettes.
![Torrid Fall Denim Denim_SocialSquare[4]](https://www.glitterandlazers.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Denim_SocialSquare4-1024x1024.jpg)
So Claire sent me a few pieces to try out. Naturally I loved them, but I felt getting clothes from a kindred spirit and just writing a blog is keeping things a bit too close to the chest. If we really are Anne of Green Gables bosom buddies, we should try to change the world together. Because, that’s just what you do. Girl power and all that stuff.
When Claire and I started scheming it was clear we were on the same page. Let’s do something fun to make people happier. And thus the concept of #CopperGlitter was born. A giveaway, where everyone wins a little bit by participating, and one lucky unicorn/ feminine warrior/ human who appreciates pretty things will have a little extra fashion magic added to their life.
So what’s this #CopperGlitter thing all about? We want to know what makes you body positive. What do you love about yourself, how do you celebrate your amazing body everyday? Claire and I use clothing to highlight not hide our bodies. We want to encourage you to do the same. Tell us why you love your curves, your lumps and bumps, your ‘imperfections’!
If you’re curious what a Stevie Shrug looks like, just look up. This is the Copper Union 
So recently I invested in a classy bedazzler, because I decided my life needed more sparkle. I imagined myself in a 100% rhinestone encrusted jumpsuit, sparkling like the glitter bomb I am. However, after about 15 minutes with my new favorite heat backed crystal heating gadget, I realized I would have at most 20 stones in me, before I got bored and moved on to something else.
However, I found 
So the next week during one of those three hour meetings that you want to claw your eyes out, I was smiling. As we discuss return and delivery and [insert whatever business jargon you want] I was giddily rhinestoning my bikini top. And it didn’t look good, it looked freaking incredible.
And I’m obsessed with it. It’s this amazingly sassy and glamorous suit, that no one else has. BECAUSE I MADE IT. This is especially important because I have a giant bag of craft projects I tried to complete, only to give up, and buy something similar. I just wasn’t built to craft. So actually being able to complete something AND have it look awesome was a rare gift from the style sirens.
And then it just snowballed from there. I found this 
So I am a sucker for anything that is sequined and sparkly, so it should come as no surprise that I squealed with delight when 
I feel like today’s outfit was really inspire by my friend Laura who has basically made her career being a cool as all get out tomboy. She works for a global shoe brand. She has done karaoke at celebrities houses. She isn’t a stuck up jerk face. Basically, I want to be her. She’s the type of girl who rocks baggy t-shirts and track pants and still looks like she’s just stepped out cloud of conveniently placed, celebrity alluding fog. As much of a tomboy as I am, no magic fog has ever appeared when I put on a oversized sweatshirt and house pants.
So this is a nod to style I love, but just doesn’t suit me. Like “hello I see you there, lookin’ all cute. I am going to put your thing down flip it an reverse it.” Pairing this t-shirt with something edgy and original was essential, and this funky, faux
I also just appreciate the blessing that is a really soft t-shirt. The kind you don’t have to wear in. The kind you don’t have to go Edward Scissor Hands on to feel like a woman while wearing it. Comfort, what a novel concept.
Every pair of underwear with lace that I had tested to this point has ripped either in the first wear or in the first wash, I was pretty much wearing my lace face of ultimate disgrace when I laid down $37 for another pair of lace underwear . So it was with great hesitation I put my card down knowing I’d be kissing away my drink money for the week for a pair of underwear that would likely disintegrate in my hands. After wearing the pair I was pretty impressed, comfortable and lacy.. who knew that existed. I dropped them in the washer and said a prayer. They emerged unscathed. It was like a panty miracle. 10 washes later, this pair still looks like new. So yeah, they’re expensive, but you wont be replacing them as often. And with a variety of cuts that I enjoy, I know I can even wear these when I want to add a little spice to my outfit. Pro tip: shop 
