Fat Travel Anxiety: The List

So I'm getting ready to leave today for my trip! We have made it! I mentioned in my past post that I would put together this list along the way of all my fat anxiety items that I ran into while getting ready so here we are. Sorry if it is a little dark right before the weekend, but know that it isn't meant to be dark. I have a feeling all these issues will have happy endings in my post-trip Fat Anxiety Review.

I know some of these are irrational, but like I told you before... my anxiety isn't exactly rational.Does this list make me insecure? Maybe, but one of a human's basic needs is being accepted (thank you college psychology) and if anyone tells you they've never felt a little insecure they probably have a personality disorder. (I'm looking at you Kanye). Confidence and self acceptance are not always your first thoughts, they are the process of correcting those thoughts and overcoming them.

1. I don't want to go scuba diving because I'm afraid of them not having a suit in my size. 
2. I'm afraid the rooms will be small and I'll have to squeeze between the bed and the TV center every time.
3. The balcony of my room is small- will I fit?
4. Actually... ship doors are pretty small- I know I will fit, but how well?
5. I'm so glad I dont have to fly- flying is so hard as a fat person. ***
6. Id love to go to the spa, but will they have a robe that fits?
7. ...will the masseuse mind my naked fatness?
8.  Public pools. period.
9. Am I going to break the pool furniture!? There is nothing scarier than that *creeeeaaakkkk* as you sit down.
10. Can I find something casual to wear that also looks good? Jeans and a t-shirt is a challenge.
11. If we do an excursion, will people look at me as if I cant make the hike? 
12. If we do a tasting excursion, will people think, of course fatty did the food trip!
13. How am I ever going to find 3 suits that I love that also cover what I want covered? 

Obviously I'm not the only one that has these thoughts before traveling- that picture up there is a post from the message boards where someone is inquiring about weight limits for the water slides. These are the things about being fat that people worry about but rarely talk about (notice it has almost 550 views). Even if nobody else notices, that creak from sitting down in a chair can be terrifying so I want to share my experience mentally beforehand and then the real life experience in action. Keep an eye out for a "result" post about a week after I get back!

***I flew for my NYC trip and I'll tell you about that!

New Fall Trend: Cam-ooooh! or Cam-No?

Lane Bryant

Plus size trends and straight size trends are not always the same. The cultures of the demographics are just different. Plus size trends are driven now a lot by what we've always been told not to wear previously. We are proving points and creating trends at the same time- straight size generally doesn't have that element. Some of the big name plus size retailers are really trying to make camo happen this year. They have tried in years past- LB and Torrid have had a few items here and there and it just never caught on. This year it has gained a little more traction for some reason but I dont think thats what the designers had in mind when they had military elements on the runway for Fall 15. Think structured and buttoned... not camo.

Surely I've mentioned growing up in East Texas. Out of about 2K people in the whole town, if there werent 1500 of them in camo, I just didnt know what was happening in my life. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but there is literally camo everything. Camo clothes, camo trucks, camo guns and camo glasses, if you can put a print on it, there is a camo version somewhere. Out there, a lot of it is used for its actual intended use- hunting. I dont hunt therefore I dont wear camo. (How many times can I say camo?)

Rebdolls Review Update

One of my most popular posts is the Rebdolls Review and if you've read that, you know that my view was less than favorable at the time. I caught them pretty early in their development, they had just changed from Custom Plus to Rebdolls and were still only selling t-shirts, crops and sweatshirts. Since so many of you have been reading that post, I wanted to give them another chance with a different style option. After trying it again, I am exactly where I was on them the first time. I dont love it. I dont dislike it completely, definitely more of a "Meh" and a shrug from me. I am Randy Jackson on this. You know man, it just didnt really do it for me.

Water Wear

I'm going to apologize in advance for the lack of quality of these pictures. I was trying to get this ish done before the sun went down and was working with the self timer option on the camera and had to crop to get the ceiling fan out of the shot because the camera wouldn't tilt further down. IM 5'2'' CAMERA, IM 5'2''!!! There was a lot of cussing... . Shit gets real, real quick when you're a moonlighter. Pretty sure that  saying should be a sign on a moonshine still somewhere in the middle of the woods in deep East Texas. 

Now, on to the good stuff. Aside from murder, natural disasters and/or hostage situations, being a fat girl in a bathing suit is maybe one of the most terrifying things in the world.  That was dramatic (I'm dramatic today so just grab a handle)- but I've been in a tornado and I've also been in my bathing suit and the fear of judgment day is a consistent theme. What better way to get over a fear than to post it all over the internet for strangers to see? So here we are. 

Links to all items are at the bottom.

Where to find: Plus Size Halloween Costumes

I know it is early for this.. but I love to get a head start on Halloween. Most stores wont even have their costumes out yet, but I'm already ready! As we get closer, if I find more options I will update this post. We take Halloween seriously in the Monus house. Prissy was a shark last year, I was Wednesday Addams and the boo thang was Flatline (a super villain). I literally spent hours on his face paint so I'm glad Wednesday was such an easy pick for me, not to mention she is my spirit animal and soul sister- sorry Melissa McCarthy. Also, before you take on doing your significant other's face paint, make sure your relationship is strong. Love is the only thing that kept me from stabbing him repeatedly with the paint brush. (Ok, so thats a little (read: lot) harsh- but it was still pretty trying.)

It is such a fight every year trying to find a costume as a plus size girl. Even the plus size costumes aren't very plus sized at all. Don't even get me started on our usual plus size stores (ahem, Torrid) with great plus size fitting options carrying a 3rd party brand that doesn't fit like the store's usual sizing. *groans*.

So what does work?

Dia&Co. Unboxing: July

Link to the box: https://www.dia.co/r/cc3
Oh my heavens. I love just about everything in the box this month! You'll even see the note that says they picked a jacket from my Pinterest board. Yes please! Love it! I'm working on a new platform for this kind of post- its just tough getting the pics in during the week! I usually get my box on a Monday and have to have it back by Friday and amongst running between two cities for work, cooking dinner when I get home and getting all my beauty rest- I run out of daylight for pictures really fast! Not to mention the energy to do a real photoshoot. I dont know how some of these bloggers do it- better women than I! Back to the important part- they got the edgy classy thing so, so right! Also, a lot of these looks do better with shoes on your feet but boo- once I kick off the heels for the night, its all over. Imagine shoes.

OH! and don't forget- if you see something you love, you can request it in your own box! How amazing is that!? I literally couldn't love this program any more than I do. I compare it to Gwennie Bee because I usually end up spending the same amount I would to rent clothes and I get to try several things on but actually get to keep something forever. I'm all about investments.

My Style Picks: Wide Leg Pants

 Sticking with a theme this week- I'm really enjoying the themes the last couple weeks- more wide leg pants. Can we stop for a second and talk about my love for Jibri? Its the pants/top combo far left. If I was a rich girl Id have all Jibri everything, but I'm going to have to settle for making an occasional investment on one or two pieces. If one day I got to make a music video (I cant sing, I just want to be a video girl) I'd get all the obligatory bottles of booze and stacks of money and just roll around on a pile of Jibri clothes.

Enough of that, its getting weird. I picked three styles. (From L to R) Play, Casual and Work. One crop, one coverage and one you can tuck in or leave untucked. Im here for options. Come for the options, stay for the video girl fantasies... leave when it gets weird.

Its weird. Links below:

Cream Crop | Black Pant | Trouser Jean | Green Tunic | Cream Pant | Black Top| 

Cream Shoe | Black Shoe | Brown Shoe

Quick Tips: Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants are hinting around at coming back into the spotlight. Flares are flirting with the Fall trends and what we knew as goucho pants (now cleverly renamed cullottes as to disguise themselves) have been trying to sneak in behind their more attractive cousin wide leg trousers. Club Elle is not allowing gouchos into the dress code, especially the short ones. They are a general nuisance.

I love the wide leg pant/crop top combo but as a plus size girl that wants the most flattering fit I've given myself some guidelines that I thought I'd share with you. Remember that I subscribe to the rule of "if you like it, wear it" so these are not must-do's, merely what I look for or avoid when putting together a look I love.

Rue 107 Review

 First, lets address the fact that plus size swimwear is still pretty horrendous for the most part. There are a few stores that have it mostly together but overall... yikes. Is there some stone tablet out there that has the bathing suit commandments chiseled in it?
I. Must be the same pattern as movie theater carpet
II. Pick one of three necklines
III. Ensure the creation of new rolls if not exposing the ones provided.

The reason I like Rue 107 so much is because they went way outside the traditional bathing suit box. They have cropped tank cuts, cap sleeves and even full sleeve tops. Why has this not been done before?! Why aren't more companies doing it now?

Okay so on to the actual top. I put my leggings on to give you an idea of how it would look with my high waist bottoms- which are currently packed and in another city at the moment. For perspective, remember I'm only 5'2'' and currently wear a 42D in Lane Bryant bras. This top is a 3x (22/24).

Night Owl

I was going to take pictures of this during the day, but I got distracted by Polyvore. Seriously. It is becoming a real problem. I was at my sister's house all weekend watching the dog niece Beyonce. Shes dramatic. Lovable, but dramatic and I swear I walked more this weekend than I have all year because she refuses to just go out and potty like my dog. Prissy is like, "listen lady, its hot out here can we just get what we need to get done, done?" ...I'm a little nostalgic since I havent seen my babies in a few days.

I should have tied my shirt a little further to the side, but it worked for what I needed. This is a top from Asos in a size 24 (sold out now) with a simple black tank under. It is a cropped length, but since I'm so short it hit me in an awkward place so I just tied it up and moved along. We were just heading to dinner at our favorite restaurant/bar (Angry Dog) which is super relaxed and in a walkable neighborhood (meaning you park and walk a block to get there if you cant find a meter) so I threw on the blue flats and away we went!

Crop Top Crushin

Its 7 o'clock, Im in my crop top cruisin the stree-eets. No? No Usher today? I feel like any day is a good Usher day. I'll never forget when that song was my jam... in the 2nd grade. Probably not appropriate, but I knew a good thing when I saw it early on.

Links to all items after the jump

Back on topic- so distracted! Amanda Allison posted a picture of a Q&A sesh from O Magazine on Facebook Wednesday that really just struck a nerve with me. Then it found traction and everyone was cursing poor old Oprah out. Sorry Oprah! ..but only kinda. Wrangle your folks, lady.

I found it striking that they had to reiterate that you MUST have a flat tummy to wear a crop. As you all know I've already broken this rule- many times. I also decided that I was going to make this post so we can all share in the joy of wearing crop tops.

Take it to the Maxi

 Summer, Summer, Summer...

I wish I knew everyone's fascination with it. My hair doesnt want to cooperate, my makeup slides off, I sweat literally everywhere, I pay higher electric bills--- its just not a sexy three to six months depending on Texas' mood. I struggle through it every single year. This year I wanted more maxi options and I found this one on Asos for like $25, so of course I bought it. Also, can we talk about how hard it is to find a maxi with sleeves?! Entirely too hard.

Summer Black & White

I love black. This is no surprise to anyone by this point, I'm sure. How do you get black ready for summer? Add a little white. Best part of this post? Most everything (except the middle outfit) goes past a size 24.

A monochrome look is instant chic, but there is always something refreshing about a good black and white combo. Kate Spade is a thing for a reason. Links below!

Links: Peplum | Pants | Dress | Top |  Shorts | Quilt Flat | Strappy Flat | Sandal 

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