Belt or Nah?

I gave you fair warning that the last week or so would be Prissy heavy. The girl is a diva and wants to be in every picture. Who can say no to that face? We are still working on the posing. "Sit" doesnt work so well, because shes old enough to be my Grandma in dog years and I can see the hate in her eyes when I try to tell her what to do.

You saw the crop top from Monif C two weeks ago with the blush midi skirt. (Its a skirt month apparently!) I am mixing and matching some of my favorite items lately and this crop just gives me life! Ok so the top pic I'm showing tummy and it feels so good! As you can see, my much talked about vampire skin is out all over. To the girls that think you have to be tan to show skin, well- here I am... in all my white glory. I really dont think anyone will die from the glare. 

Side tangent: The only time I will tan is when I am going to be out in the sun a lot over a period of several days, for example, a beachy vacation or a day camp with lots of hours in the sun. I try to build up a gradual tan in the bed (this maybe happens once every two years) so I don't turn lobster all in one day. Is it the healthiest method? I couldnt tell you. Will I get cancer? Maybe. But you know what I wont be? Slathering myself in aloe so I can actually sleep and having peeling parties. 

Anyway...

Dia&Co. Box: June

Side story about this necklace (which I love!): So I pulled it out the first day and as I was cooing over it, the male says, "it looks like it can kill somebody." Then I gave him a look and we laughed about necklace homicide because thats true love. 

Link to the box: https://www.dia.co/r/cc3
 Its June! Dia&Co sent me my newest box and though I'm only keeping one item this time (the necklace above), I liked more of the options. I asked for a maxi, and I got one, along with a little note apologizing for not having my favorite picks last time. They really listen to what you have to say, so dont worry about signing up and never getting anything you like.

First up, the maxi. It isnt my first pick in a maxi, but I did like it. In fact, I think Amanda Allison from I'm Fashionably Late had on a pink one like it the other day with a chambray top and looked amazing. The waist was a bit big and kept sliding down, and I promised the male I wouldnt buy anything that I wasnt in love with since my side of the closet is starting to get a little... full. Back it goes.

Fierce Fringe

I'm so in on the fringe trend. It gives a little coverage if you want it, but is breezy enough to keep cool in Summer. Not to mention, its playful! A couple of these go above a size 24, but all of them at least go to a 24. The sandals are SimplyBe and are wide width- they can actually go up to EEE width, which is even too wide for my wide feet. The suit is MonifC and there are other fringe suit options if that pleases you. Links below!

Links: Orange Suit | Black & White Tank | Black Back Fringe | White Cami Halter | Fringe Necklace | Black Sandal | | Sheer Kimono | Fringe Bag

Secretary-ish.

First, Id like to apologize (but only kind of because I'm human, and we wrinkle) for the wrinkles in my shirt. This is one of the first sets of this cut of shirt from Torrid and the material is hell to keep straight. I cant dry it, so I wash it then hang dry- then I steamed it to get the wrinkles out. I packed it and it was wrinkled again by the time I was ready to shoot it. Seriously though, don't dry these shirts. They shrink badly. The material has changed in the different seasons of Torrid, so the new ones don't wrinkle nearly as badly, but they do still shrink. 

Ive got a preeetttty cute outfit planned with this skirt for next week, but I wanted to profesh it up a little bit since most of us are not going to work showing midriff (yes, that's a spoiler). This is totally work appropriate. This is walk into the office and make everyone nod as you walk past good. I've seen dresses with the white button up top and pencil skirt bottom called Secretary Dresses. I feel like we can easily take that all the way up to CEO if we wanted (though you may want to make sure your top is extra pressed at that point. sheesh.)

The Low Down On: Scuba

You've seen it everywhere lately and if you were like me you were like "wtf is a scuba top/skirt/pant?!" Actually, I ordered a shirt months ago not knowing I was getting a scuba shirt and was thoroughly confused when I touched it. Yet... here I am wearing it.

The short of it is, its fabric that feels like scuba gear. Yeah... duh. Well, little ole Elle didnt know what to expect so I thought I'd share some of my Pros and Cons on the matter so you know what youre getting yourself into, because it is weird and uncharted territory unless youre a diver.

That top up there is my scuba shirt. Looks like a normal shirt, but friend... it is not. This is what I said about it when I first bought it (from my Plus Size Fashion Haul post)

This top is just amazing. Marble. Pattern. Whaaaaat? At one point someone probably looked at a counter top or a floor and said, "Hey Pam, you know what? A shirt would look great in this." And they were actually right. I do look great as a counter or floor, and even though it sounds like I'm making fun of it, it is the exact reason I love it. Its unexpected and understated but strong. Oh and if youre worried about the girls, there is plentttty of room. It fits a bit boxy and its made out of a poly/spandex blend that almost feels like a wetsuit  so there isnt a whole lot of flattering drape so be prepared to size up if you need extra room in the middle.

I rarely reach for this top even though I love the pattern. The fit is just uncomfortable. It also has a tendency to ride up and I'm constantly tugging at the bottom. Sizing may be my issue here, but this is already on my larger end of sizing (24) so Perhaps if I sized up I would get a better fit. Its a huggy material, ... almost shrink wrap for your fat- huggy, so sizing up to get that loose fit is probably best.

Pros:

• stretchy
• very wrinkle resistant
• longer lasting fabric
• Stain resistant 

Cons: 

• Tight on lumps 
• Fabric shifts a lot with movement (i.e. lifting arms, bending over etc.) 

 Now... they do have scuba skirts and dresses! I havent tried one yet, but I'm willing to bet that wearing it on your bottom half in a flattering cut solves all the cons. Its such a thick fabric that a fit and flare skirt would look amazing and stay draped in the intended way. You can find this skirt here.

The trend has gained quite a bit of traction since I picked up my first piece in February. I dont know if it will stick around too long, but I certainly love how it gives you the drape when done right. It will be mostly trial and error to find the right cut for your body. Find a cut that gives you freedom in the places you need it most or size up all over and have it altered to fit for the best look possible.

Summer Shorts

 For those of you that love to wear shorts during the Summer, I've got options! Personally, I'm still holding on to a little shorts trauma from my childhood and cant #freethelegs just yet.

My mother used to make a lot of our clothes when we were younger. She was great at sewing... pattern picking could have used a little improvement. The shorts I remember most were half plaid, half roosters and not like half on the front, half on the back, but like the front of one leg was roosters and the back was plaid then the other leg was opposite. The 90s were a weird time, but I'm not sure they were that weird. I still laugh about the time I had to go to the principals office because my teacher said my shorts were too short and the principal had to seriously measure my rooster shorts using an effing ruler without laughing. The hilarity brought on by the absurdity of that whole situation will transcend through every decade of my life. Not only were the shorts silly, but I was such an anal child that I was so upset because I couldnt tell which part was the front and which was the back, so she had to sew on little buttons to the fronts so I could relax. My poor mother.

Anyway, so shorts. We've got all different lengths here. A lot of these go up to a 30/32 range, so don't be shy to check them out. (i.e. Denim Cuff, red bow, white linen). Go forth and show those beautiful legs!!

Links: Black Lace | Leopard | White Midi | Black Bermuda | Short Cuff | Black Check| Crochet Trim |
Floral | Fuchsia Bermuda | White Linen| Orange Bow |  White Bermuda | Jean Bermuda | Distressed

Youre Making Me Blush

This weekend, Prissy and I had a day date with my sister and her new pug dog Beyonce aka, Bey. (her picture is on my IG @casualtyofwear) Really all we did was have a House of Cards marathon, eat pizza and take blog pictures since her house is really just the prettiest. A.) look at that view B.) she has the best eye for decor (and the budget to match). 

So I told you before that my goal was to start making new outfits out of pieces I already have so I can show you how a piece functions in different ways. Money saving is the name of the game. I really am sorry that most of these items are sold out, but there are dupes EVERYWHERE. If you find one, link it in the comments section! Over the next few weeks, you'll see a few of the same pieces just mixed in different ways. I had a lot of fun with the mix and match and I think we may have to keep this budget friendly trend even after I'm done saving for vacation. (Seriously, Bahamas this October. I hope youre ready for beach pictures after youre already sick of everyone else s beach pictures.)  

More Pics after the jump

My Kardashian Konundrum.

Yeah, I did the K thing. I sure did.

It was recently brought to my attention that I don't talk about the Kardashians when they are almost the epicenter of pop culture and fashion these days. I dont talk about them for mainly one reason: the horrible responses from people on the "other side of the fence."

I've tried to stay away from using them as examples since it is such a polarizing topic. I do not want to bring the hate that follows the name to this blog. So far we have an amazing group of people here and there has never been any shaming or hate of each other and I love that. As we grow, I'm sure it will be harder to maintain, but I dont want to preemptively bring the negativity by opening the door to those that spot an easy target. Overall, I leave it up to you. If you would like to see more or want me to do a recreation of a look, I'd be more than happy to oblige.

How do I feel about them? I seem to be one of the few people that doesn't have a super strong opinion one way or the other (love/hate). I do have an opinion of course, I have an opinion on most everything. Might have even gotten "Most Opinionated" in High School so the sass was always there, even from infancy. My opinion is to just let let them live! I mean, Kim did ask for it. I do not subscribe to the fact that they are famous and/or rich for no reason.

What's In My Makeup Bag?

I posted the above picture on Instagram of my makeup a while ago (if youre not following me there, I dont know what youre waiting on! @casualtyofwear) while I was getting ready to go out for girls night. I got a ton of questions about what is in my makeup bag?!

First, I should be clear that I have more than one. I have makeup drawers and boxes at home and that is either the best thing you've heard today or the most ridiculous. I decided to go middle of the road and show what bag I take to travel with on any normal day.

What you see:

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

We were heading to a Memorial Service this weekend for one of our friend's parents and all of my black dresses are for Fall and Winter. I have no idea how it happened, but it did. I was running around trying to figure out what I was going to do when I realized... I'll just make my own. Links after the jump.

Trendy Under Twenty: Summer Edition

I think this is my favorite type of post to do because- savings. The sandals are technically $23, but with the coupon code they are under. The best part about this post is that while I was picking items, I was like- Its Summer, I'm going to go with brighter colors and have a lot of fun! .... and here we are with black. ha! Listen, black is just in my soul. (links after the jump)

Acceptance for Every Body

I strive to make this blog about more than just plus size fashion. When I was deciding what direction I wanted to take when building my platform from which to speak to the world, I knew I loved fashion but there was more to fashion than just posting collages of jumpsuits and OOTDs (outfit of the days). Fashion is not only about how you look, it is about how you feel. It is about presenting to the world who you feel you are. I knew I wanted to address those facets as well.

I have readers and friends that come here as men, that come here as women, that come as men that enjoy wearing women's clothing and the opposite, that come as transgender and hopefully come here for a multitude of other reasons that I cannot even begin to share. I want this to be a safe and welcome place for everyone that identifies with what I'm providing which is why I'm sharing with you today's post.

If you havent seen by now Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair spread, I dont know where you've been, but I know that I want to be able to vacation there every year! She looks amazing. She looks polished, happy and like everything I could ever want out of my 60s. I've seen amazing support for her, but I've seen the dark side as well which is what brings me here.

photo credit to aol.com

Jumpsuit Jonesing

Jumpsuits guys... jumpsuits. I made a joke one day about buying more jumpsuits just so I dont have to spend as much time picking out clothes in the morning. Now that I think about it, that really might not have been much of a joke. One piece and go sounds perfect.

I wasnt always so pro jumpsuit. I think I actually compared them to baby onsies once, and the similarities are still there- but moms pick those for a reason. Easy and adorable. I may have never grown out of being a toddler, I'm okay with that. Links and larger pictures after the jump.