Plaid is everywhere this fall! Usually I don’t buy patterned leggings. That’s not really true, I buy them, but then I don’t wear them, so I try not to buy them. But I had to have these, and I thought I would just wear them with a long top. After I saw the photo below, I decided I needed another tartan to bring the look together and I bought a scarf, which makes me much happier. Continue reading
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Plus Size Costumes 4X to 9X!
I LOVE costumes, as you can tell, I love to dress up for events and halloween. For several years I have been writing posts about where you can find Size 4X and larger plus size costumes, and with Halloween coming it is time for an update. In addition to retail 4X+ costumes, I am including a “Make Your Own Costume” or (DIY) section at the bottom of the page.
My experience is that retail costumes run small, so buyer beware.
Let me start with a major change in the plus size costume world and a shout out to Torrid! Torrid is carrying 63 costume choices, and it is only early September. And 23 of them come to a Size 6, which is a size 30/32, so that is where I would start. But, by my standards their Size 3/4 runs fairly small.
In addition, they have a lot of costume accessories. I love accessories because you can build your own costume from clothes that you already own, as I detail at the bottom of this post in “Making Your Own Costume”. You can buy many accessories anywhere but with Torrid you can assume they have sized up the hat or other accessory. Torrid has created and depth of PopCulture and Cosplay looks and costumes that we only dreamed of 10 years ago!
Halloween Costumes carries 67 different Size 5X costumes, priced between $19 – $104. They even have 12 Size 7X costumes. Based on one of my reader’s experience, these costumes appear to be true to size. They have quite a bit of variety and I think it is worth the effort to check out what they are offering, and these costumes appear to be exclusive to them. Do check out their accessories, because they are a Halloween store the have tons of accessories. But be careful of gloves and headbands, make sure they are adult sizes, and that may even run small. I happen to know that the Wonderland Cat to the left is a stretchy knit and very generously sized. A reader said “I believe the 4X would fit a size 30”. The Wonderland Cat includes the shrug and “wristlets”
BigGals Lingerie has costumes up to a size 6X (and Club Wear up to 12X, custom made). They are somewhat expensive, but it is good to know what your options are.
Sanctuarie has more costumes this year that run to a 9X that are very cute, and some moderate pricing, as well as quite a few accessories and make-up. The site says to check sizing for each item. I think this is a fabulous resource if their costume themes speak to you.
Plus-Size Costume Shop carries handmade costumes up to a 7X. They are pricey but quite lovely and lean toward renaissance costumes and witches. At this time they do not suggest a specific date by which you should place your order, but since most of their costumes are custom made, it seems like you might want to order as early as possible.
Etsy seems to have fewer Size 4X options this year. What I found was expensive and I had seen many of them elsewhere. Each seller will have a different policy so be sure to check that out. That said, they have a plethora of accessories, Paws, Animal Hats, various ears, and Tutus, which vary in their plus sizes. And don’t forget the amazing masks, which are not size specific, and vary tremendously in cost. And they even have some themed Halloween hats, but I have a pretty big head, so I have to be careful of hats.
eBay of course has a variety of choices in both quality and fit. This is what I came up with when I searched for Costume 5X. It seemed to me that most of the costumes were also being sold on the other sites I have mentioned, and I would be particularly careful of the bustier sizing, which always seems to vary a lot.
Hips and Curves has a lovely collection of costumes and accessories, some to a 6X, which appear to run a bit small. I love the look of these costumes and I have not seen most of them anywhere else. And OMG, this sexy witch hat, I have never seen anything like it. And look at this hoop skirt which comes to a 50″ waist. 10/26/14 Update fror a reader, confirming my fears that sizing might run somewhat small:
I have some of the Hips ‘n Curves items. They run extremely small. I have the satin sleeves, and I can’t get them around my arms….also some of the school girl items and petticoats. The petticoats are my favorite…they stretch!
Lady Strange Erotic Lingerie carries very sexy costumes and some of them come to a 12X, which I assume are custom, so communicate with them and ask for a delivery date.
In addition to the 4X+ size costumes, I owned this Maleficent, Size 24 costume for years. It more than fit my size 26/28 body, and I have even had readers state that they thought it would fit to a size 6X, but I cannot vouch for that.
If you are looking for costumes through a 1/2X 3/4X or 1X – 3X, there are many options. Most Halloween Costume vendors, like Halloween Express often carry up to a 3X, the list is quite long and you only have to Google “plus size costumes” to see the list of choices.
Most costumes tend to run a little smaller than standard sizes so check the size charts carefully when you are ordering.
Making Your Own Costume: And last but not least, there is making your own costume. Go through your closet and see if there is anything that would work as the base of the outfit. Is there a black outfit that could be witch-like, or something gauzy for a princess or large sleeved for a pirate wench, or a leopard print that just needs leopard ears (these fit both my husband and I perfectly), the list is endless. There are a ton of tutorials out there on how to make a headband or accessory to fill out the illusion. In my experience everyone wants to believe in your costume and it only takes a little sleight of hand to make it fun and festive for Halloween. Here are some costumes/DIY tips from prior years.
DIY Clown Plus Size Costume
DIY Wonder Woman Plus Size Costume
DIY VooDoo Doll Plus Size Costume
DIY Steampunk or Edwardian Plus Size Costume
VERY casual Bee Costume (good for a child)
DIY Mrs. Claus Plus Size Costume
Spider Outfit for Halloween
2013 Post about 4X gloves (most are still available)
Long Lace Gloves (the ribbon makes them adjustable)
Opera Gloves with stretch
Long Fingerless Fishnet Gloves (these are my go-to gloves)
I hope you find this useful and as always if you have additional suggestions please comment. In addition, I would love to see some photos if you do decide to dress up for Halloween, or any time.
Peace…affinity
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Torrid Shorts – What Size Should I Buy?
Torrid Shorts – What Size Should I Buy?
I am Los Angeles visiting a friend that I worked with in the ’80s. Loving her pool, I will be water walking a little later this morning, and then perhaps a dip in the hot tub, which is really good for my back and sciatica.
I know, this looks like a skirt rather than shorts and that is why I love them. I just had to show you these shorts right away because they are SO cute, and comfy and I bet they sell out soon. I think I will be able to wear these when I tutor first graders at the elementary school down the street from where I live.
The shorts are lined, they have a robust drawstring, and I think they are really fun and cute. I will be looking for another pair of these in a different fabric. They are a Torrid Size 4, I think I might have been able to wear a Size 3, It is, of course, quite a bit longer on me than it is on the Torrid model.
You might find the High Neck Tee, a little tight in the neck. I snipped the back seam, just in the neck, to give me a little more room. It is too warm in the heat of the day, but it will be perfect for the cool fall days, and I have a couple of them.
Torrid Chiffon Short – Size 4, but they are a little large, I could have worn a Size 3.
ASOS Curve Sleveless High Neck Tee – Size US 24
Peace, Affinity
photo: Joe Anaya
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Do You Love Your Shoulders? Try the Cold Shoulder Look!
I have been on vacation and I had a little visit with my sister. She told me that the cold-shoulder is her very favorite trend right now. She says that at age 73, her shoulders are her very best asset, and she is going to show them off whenever she gets a chance.
So I looked around and the cold shoulder look is EVERYWHERE.
I started at City Chic, and they have 105 cold shoulder choices in their Size XXL, which I find fits me really well at Size 24/26. Wow, 105 choices.
I also checked out Lovesick, Torrid’s less expensive, hipper sister, and they have 7 cold shoulder choices in a Size 5, which is a Size 26/28. How fun is that?
City Chic Cold Shoulder
Lovesick Cold Shoulder, and they are having a Buy One Get One Free Sale This Weekend.
Peace, Affinity
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DIY Plus Size Clown Costume
Have you ever made a DIY Plus Size Clown Costume? If you have been following along you may already know that I go to Burning Man. In fact, 2015 was our 16th year. The 2015 theme was Carnival of Mirrors, and like everyone else, I decided I needed a clown costume. I bought some parts of it, and I had some many pieces in my closet. At first glance, it may seem to be a little too much, and it is. I will simplify the costume for Burning Man by not wearing any makeup, seems like the nose is plenty.
The first thing I decided I needed were a clown collar and cuffs. If I knew how to sew, even a little bit, I could have made these, perhaps without the black ribbon edging for very little money. But I don’t, so I bought mine, but I tried to use clothes from other outfits or costumes.
Clown Collar & Cuffs
White Gloves (I bought a dozen in case I wanted to give some away)
Headpiece (painted and reused)
Skirt, leggings and boots (from my closet)
Photos: Tex Allen, Portrayou
Peace…affinity
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Torrid Size 4 – Fit and Flare! Best Skirt EVER!
Torrid Size 4 – Fit and Flare! Best Skirt EVER!
If you have been following along you know that I go to Burning Man. As you can see I have a rhinestone Burning Man on my cami, from about 10 years ago. I wore it because I was at Burning Man Headquarters where they gave me a patch for 10 years of volunteering (you might remember that they gave me The Affinity Award several years ago). So I wore my favorite cami, and the cutest skirt I have EVER owned. And yes that little hand on my mouth means I might have been crying a little.
I am wearing a Size 4, and it fits perfectly. A stiffish elastic waist, with a little zipper in the back. Unfortunately Torrid only has skirts in sizes 00 – 2 in stock. It took me several weeks to wear it because it just borders on dressy with the stiffness of the body, and the shiny sheerness of the fabric. Can I say one more time, this is my favorite skirt EVER?
Sock Hack (to show more color, and balance the outfit)
I bought some green socks that I hoped would peek out of the boot, just to add a little matching color to the outfit, but they were way too bulky to wear under my boots. Great thin socks are always a struggle in plus sizes. I later had the thought that I could have cut the foot off of them and worn them like short leg warmers, since all I really cared about was adding a little color to the bottom half of my legs (I will wear the foot portion to sleep in so no waste here). So I gave it a try and it worked.
And here is a photo of my Burning Man 10 Year Volunteer Patch. I think I will put it on my hoodie.
Torrid Sheer Fit & Flare Skirt – Size 4X
Jean Jacket – Size 4X (similar)
Re/Dress Teggings – Regular length
Torrid Combat Boots – 10.5 W
Peace…Affinity
photo: Allison Hastings
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Modcloth Size 4X – How Does It Fit?
Welcome back to the new, more casual, every topic I want to write about, Affatshionista. There will be lots of selfies about how things fit, my water fitness program, other bloggers, and yes, even Burning Man. Lots of examples of what did, and didn’t work.
Hang on to your hats!
Modcloth Size 4X – How Does It Fit?
I fell in love with this Posh Power Top from Modcloth, and I had to have it. You know they have a ton of plus sizes, sometimes even to a size 30, but I sometimes have a problem with fit.
This is my first every Affatshionista selfie because I wanted to share with you one of my pet peeves about plus sizes. I have a problem with extra large armholes. I do not have particularly large arms, they are about 15″, but this armhole is 31″.
So what to do? I came up with the “wear it over a sports bra, or t-shirt”, and then sew a little tuck in the fabric under the arm (that is a barrette holding place for the tuck). As you can see, the armhole is too big, but it does not look as messy with the tuck. I am going to make it work. The rule at my house, is fix it today or send it back, no putting it in the mending pile.
I even bought some mandala earring because I loved the top so much, and I think I will outline the earrings with a black sharpie to make the colors a little more cohesive.
Of course Modcloth carries a lot of tops in Size 4X, by many different brands, but be careful out there, trust the photos, and if it isn’t just what you want, either find a way to make it work, or send it back!
Modcloth Posh Power Top – Size 4X, hip width 70″, length 31″
Mandala Earrings
A special shout out to Marcy Cruz who encouraged me to come back to blogging, and to do it my way.
I am happy to be back hanging our with y’all.
Peace…Affinity
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So Excited To Be Included in Links à la Mode!
I am so excited to be featured by Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) in Links à la Mode, the weekly IFB roundup! Each week, IFB editors curate the 20 best links of the week from beauty to fashion. Here’s a roundup of this weeks 20 best links for your reading…
Links à la Mode, August 13
- Affatshionista: Everyday Style in a Torrid Size 3!
- Ashley: Monday Adventures | Best Blow Out in Chicago
- Attire Club: What We Can Learn From the Zoolander 2 Teaser
- Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Essie Fall 4Pc Mini Set Swatches & Review
- Cubicle Chic: Putting the “FUN” in “FUNCTIONAL” | How to have fun with your everyday office wear.
- Drew & Alice: Strobing
- Dresscode | HighFashion: Burberry Prorsum Menswear F/W 15/16 | ‘Classically Bohemian’
- Everest Says: Tips for Taking an Awesome Flat Lay Photo
- Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Madison Reed | Salon Hair Color at Home
- La Petite Fashionista: Blog to Biz | 5 Easy Steps to Increasing Your Instagram Following
- Lobler & Delaney: J.Crew & Iris Apfel Movie Preview Event
- Mama in Heels: Office Perfection | Denim
- Ms. Fabulous: Bibhu Mohapatra’s Fall 2015 From the Heart
- Muscari Lane: Digitization Robbed My Fashion
- Random Chic Musings: Paris is Always a Good Idea
- Reasons To Dress: Wearing the Dress that *He* Hates
- So Versailles: Best Face Masks
- The Moon & the Mirror: Marie Antoinette, The Milk Maid
- The Style Division: Discovering the Magic of Venice, Italy
- We Are Ready Made: Acne Pushes the Button!
SPONSOR: Shopbop Miu Miu Sunglasses, Monica Vinader, Brixton, Men’s CK Jeans, Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, Leather Jackets, Booties with Fringe, Off Shoulder Maxi Dresses & Fold Over Clutches.
Peace…affinity
photo: Tex Allen
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Everyday Style in a Torrid Size 3!
When our blogging collective chose “Everyday Style” as our theme this month, I knew that I wanted to wear a tunic and cropped leggings, because that is my everyday style. So I started shopping at Torrid because I really wanted to see how the new sizes fit on me. You can read about Torrid’s new sizes HERE. This is a Torrid 3X tunic, and a new arrival. I have always worn a 4X top at Torrid. This 3X is just a tiny bit snug around my hips, but I am clear the 4X would be too large. So a 3X it is.
Tunic: Torrid Size 3 Striped Cinch Tunic Top
Leggings: From my closet over 3 years ago
Zipper Gladiator Sandals Size 10 WW – Jessica London ComfortView
To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE
Don’t stop here. Check out AHEAD OF THE CURVE where my fellow bloggers will show you their looks for our “Everyday Style” collaboration. Just click HERE.
Ahead of the Curve, is a collective of plus size bloggers that come together to post on the same subject. Stay in touch with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers or Pinterest.
Peace…affinity
photo: Tex Allen
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Torrid’s New Sizes – Is This Crop Top Too Big?
More About Torrid’s New Sizes
Last week I blogged about Torrid’s new sizes, and here they are. The moment I saw this crop top I knew I had to have it, so I ordered a Torrid Size 4 (my usual size Torrid top), a size 5, and the brand new size 6, and guess what, they were all too big. Pictured here is the Size 4 and it is too wide and the sleeves are just too large, making it look a little matronly and baggy. I have since ordered the Size 3 and I will report in, but it looks like I now wear a size 3 top at Torrid.
Torrid Crochet Crop Blouse, Size 4X
SWAK Perfect Leggings, One Size, (My favorite, fitted at the ankles and not too heavy)
Full Beauty Hat, Similar)
Eloquii Tulle Skirt, Size 28 (Similar but longer)
What did I do to change my look from Day to Night? The Day Look includes a hat, casual bangle bracelets, and black earrings. I think the hat had the most impact in creating a more casual look.
For the Night Look I wore different jewelry and took off the hat.
FROM THE TOP DOWN
Fine Jewelry purchased in Ireland
Torrid Bangle – Hollow
Old Bangle – Lane Bryant
My mother-in-laws necklaces and small bracelets attached together and wrapped
Torrid Solid and Hollow Bracelets
The necklace is costume jewelry, the earrings are vintage from Etsy, since I can only wear clips these days (I used a sharpie to brighten up the color a little), and the bracelets (above) are a combination of good jewelry and costume jewelry.
To compare my measurements to yours, click HERE.
Peace…affinity
Don’t stop here. Check out AHEAD OF THE CURVE where my fellow bloggers will show you their looks for our Day to Night collaboration. Just click HERE.
Ahead of the Curve, is a collective of plus size bloggers that come together to post on the same subject. Stay in touch with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers or Pinterest.
Photos: Leori Gill Photography
