Victoria Beckham’s Plus Size Line at Target!

When I saw Victoria Beckham had a new line at Target, and that it also came in plus sizes, I knew I had to check it out. This skirt is my favorite. I love the 70s Mod look.
But I was concerned that a 3X might be too small. Imagine my surprise when it was too big. I have a big waist, since I have an apple shaped body and I carry most of my weight around my waist. But several of the reviews for the skirt said that it ran large, and boy does it. Today I looked at the reviews of this skirt, and read a Facebook post, and many of them said the entire line fit poorly. That makes me sad because my concern is that there will not be a second line, because this one fit poorly, and thus sold poorly. But I like it so much that I am going to take this skirt to the tailor to have it taken in a little.

And I wish you could see the earrings. One of my favorite things to do is to get a new look and then find earrings to match. I only wear clips so my go to is Etsy and I love finding some  vintage, under $20, including shipping, earrings.
Look at all the choices I had. The key is narrowing down the options. Etsy first lets you define your search “Flower Clip Earrings”, then I choose a color, and “vintage”. It takes time, but it amuses me to have vintage matching earrings.

Victoria Beckham’s Mod Skirt at Target, Size 3X (it’s on sale, try sizing down)
Black Teggings, Regular Length, One Size

To compare my measurements to yours click HERE.

Peace, Affinity

photo: Fearlessly Just Me
(Marcy, it was such a treat to meet you in real life, thanks for encouraging me to blog again)

A Fabulous Geometric Print From Eloquii!

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I have been wanting to try Eloquii for awhile. They used to have a lot of clothing to wear to the office, but now they have added a lot of fun clothes. I fell in love with this geometric print of silver and gold, but as much as I loved it, the arms were cut too long and I could barely lift them when my arms in the sleeves. And the jacket was a little boxy for my apple shaped body.
I don’t have a link to show you because it has sold out. This was a Size 22.

Just for your information, they have some extended sizes to a Size 28. They also have a new line of clothing, Viola, for pear shaped bodies in particular and they also carry a petite line.
I am going to keep trying, I think Eloquii is the future. Sophisticated with a nod to different shaped bodies in the plus size community.

BE ART Necklaces (Designed by my friend Laura Kimpton)

To compare my measurements to yours click HERE.

Peace, Affinity

photo: Jim Hirabayashi

Black Floral for Fall

jth_pm_floral-jkt-tights-goodBlack Floral, everywhere I go there it is, and I love it. I liked it in 2014 on this fabulous blazer, and I like it now. And these $30+ black floral bomber jackets are particularly prevalent (see below for links to several).
jth_pm_floral-jct-no-tightsThe look without leggings (that is what the cool girls are doing but I feel a little naked.)

You may notice that the skirt hits right at my knees, I tend to buy skater or mini dresses because at 5’4″ most things are too long for me, and petite sizes are so limited.

I am wearing:
Lovesick Knit Floral Bomber Jacket Size 3X (Only Size 00 in stock at this time)
Mini Pleated Skirt (similar) Torrid Size 3
Avenue Ankle Boots (similar)

Other Floral Bombers:
Roamans’ Bomber Jacket
(to size 30)
Woman Within Puffer Floral Jacket, lots of colors (to size 5X)
Maurices Floral Gray Bomber (up to size 4)
Charlotte Russe Black Floral Bomber (to size 3X)
Wet Seal Black Floral Bomber (to Size 3X)

To compare my measurements to yours click HERE.

Peace, Affinity

photo: Jim Hirabayashi

Ashley Nell Tipton’s Sequin Bomber Jacket

2-ant-sequin-jacket-cropI have been an Ashley Nell Tipton fan since long before she won Project Runway. You might remember my fun sequin skirt and how excited I was when I found out she was going to be on Project Runway. After she won Project Runway I heard rumors that she was going to work with JC Penney, and I saw a little clip of her with this jacket on, and then I stalked their site every day for several weeks before it was available for sale.

So imagine my disappointment when I ordered this amazing jacket with sequin arms, two sizes too big. I have the jacket binder-clipped in the back so I could show it to you. The jacket is cute, but way too heavy and hot for California. And it runs large. I bought a 4X, and I should have purchased a 2X. But it is on sale right now, and how fun to have a fabulous jacket from the Project Runway Season 14 Winner, Ashley Nell Tipton. Who thought that we would ever have a plus size collection winner and then she would have a plus size collection, that I could afford to buy. YAY!

Ashely Nell Tipton Sequin Sleeve Bomber Jacket Size 4 (runs large)
Torrid Rib Knit Skater Dress Size 3 (a little small for me, I should have kept the Size 4)

To compare my measurements to yours click HERE.

Peace, Affinity

photo: Jim Hirabayashi

Love This Torrid Floral Skirt!

2floral-skirt-good-jim-picmonkeyI fell in love with this skirt the moment I saw it. I was reluctant to buy it because it seemed too “dressy” to wear tutoring or to lunch with the girls, but it is not as dressy looking as I thought it might be, even though it has both a mesh overlay and a tulle lining. I am going to wear it on Tuesday to tutor with my go-to tutoring top, which does not show as much skin.  Sleeveless Turtleneck, Size 20, ASOS Curve
Seems appropriate doesn’t it? And I will wear a pair of sandals but I like the boot look too! I usually buy mini skirts, (this one is 21 inches) because then they generally fall just below my knee.

Sock Hack (to show more color, and balance the outfit)
sox hackThis is the same sock hack I used a few weeks ago (thus the green sock photo). I had some pink 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. So I cut the foot off of them and wore 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). I wish I had worn bright pink earrings to bring the same color up to my face. I suspect you will see the sock hack fairly often.

Floral Skirt Torrid, Size 3
Strappy Cami Torrid, Size 3
Re/Dress Teggings – Regular length
Torrid Combat Boots – 10.5 W

Update, October 10, 2016:
I love this skirt, it is pretty much my current fav! I just found a dress that is similar:
Floral Mesh Dress (up to Size 3X)

To compare my measurements to yours click HERE

Peace, Affinity

photo: Jim Hirabayashi

Ashley Nell Tipton Unicorn Skirt – Plus Size 4X

sequin skirt at holiday sparkI had loved this skirt for awhile and was excited when I purchased it a few months ago. In my life I can pretty much wear a sequin skirt to most of the evening events I go to, whether it is an art opening or a house party…BUT, I just struggled with what to wear it with. I looked at dozens of tops. Should I buy a sequin top, in beige, lavender or blue? I looked at floral t-shirts that I could perhaps add some sequins. I looked at pastels t-shirts of every hue, and then one day I realized it was really a pink base and decided to take a VERY casual approach with a graphic t-shirt and my trusty black denim jacket. Sometimes you have to just give it a try and enjoy it already.  So off I went to a holiday party. Continue reading

I Don’t Wear Plus Size Winter Accessories!

Since I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, it is fairly unusual for me to need a winter hat, gloves and/or a scarf. For the occasional fire on the beach I have a 10 year old kitty hat and a pair of purple leather gloves. Last night we went to a party and it was warm enough to sit outside for a drink while we were near the fireplace. But, I did live in Minnesota one winter and loved the winter coats and scarves and hats, the weather, not so much.

So I looked around and these are what I would be wearing if I lived in snow country right now. I love a cloche hat and thought the faux mink collar and gloves would be fabulous with either of them. Did you see the collar also comes in leopard print. And they are all on sale!

One Stop Plus has the best selection of plus size hats I have ever seen. Winter hats, summer hats, sunday go to church hats, cowboy hats, silly hats, bright colored hats, they have over 400 hats. A great place to start when you are hat shopping.

And did you know fur collars are EVERYWHERE this year? In fact, I think most of these standard size collars will accommodate plus sizes. The short collars are about 20 inches, which would work for me with a longer ribbon, and the longer “collars” or faux fur scarves, would work at their current 46″ length. I think they are fun and add depth and breadth to any outfit.

Some of them are very fun and others are more conservative, and many of them are on sale.

Leopard Hat and Gloves Quilted Gloves Studded Gloves

Roaman’s Leopard Hat and Gloves
Catherine’s Quilted Gloves
Lane Bryant Studded Gloves

I wanted to bring you one last set of choices. A black leopard hat with several different glove possibilities. The fleece hat and gloves, as well as the quilted gloves are all on sale and would make great gifts.

BOOTS: I cannot discuss Winter without mentioning boots. The hunt for wide calf boots is always with us. If you want to see what I think are the widest calf boots available, please click HERE.

Layout 1Don’t stop here. Check out what Cherie and I from  AHEAD OF THE CURVE had to say about our theme this month, “Brrr…Plus Size Winter Accessories”.
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 the know with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers.

Peace…affinity

5 Great Gifts to Give Your Plus Size Friend!

holiday gifts 2Do you have a mother, sister, cousin, friend, gift exchange recipient or neighbor that is plus size, chubby, fat, curvy, heavy, whichever term you prefer, for whom you would like to buy a gift? You know that this year you do not want to buy them a cookbook or placemats or something that does not relate to them. I promise they will find these gifts useful, and you know I do not make promises easily.

Friends and family who are not plus size are often stymied by what gift they can buy that will be loved and appreciated, and most of all, fit. So I have put together a few of my favorite gifts.

1. Floral Statement Necklace: $31.19. I love this necklace, and yes, that is my neck in the photo. It comes in many colors and some other styles (see the bottom of the Amazon page). It instantly dresses up an all black outfit or it can be the finishing touch to an already fun outfit. I have several posts about necklaces, they can be found HERE and HERE and HERE. Watch this space for one more post about beautiful jewelry in the next week or two.

2. The Raven by Poe Book Infinity Scarf: $42. I highlighted this scarf because it was so unusual, but you can buy an infinity scarf anywhere. An infinity scarf is a continuous loop. Everyone is wearing them this year. Warm ones for cold weather, and lightweight ones in more temperate weather. They add interest and depth to an outfit. I often like to start shopping at One Stop Plus, because they carry such a range of retailers in plus sizes. But you can buy infinity scarves from a street vendor for around $10, an exhaustive array on Google, or a Biblical Quote Book Scarf or a whole array on Etsy. This one is monogrammed for $16. And of course for the seamstress there are free “do it yourself” instructions.

3. Get Jane Patient/Hospital Gown: $49.95. They are one size fits all, and that is me in a post I did last year about mine. I love it. I am so much more comfortable having a mammogram or going to the doctor’s office, knowing that I will be well covered. They are a little pricey, but I promise it is well worth the expense to have this level of physical and psychological well being, in an already stressful situation. And I think most women would not buy this for themselves, so it makes a particularly fine gift. To see my measurements, click HERE.

4. SWAK Perfect Leggings: $19.90. These are my favorite. “Where to get leggings that will fit” is the number one question I get on my blog. These fit the best of ANY I have ever purchased. They fit in the crotch, something about the material makes them hug me and never gap, and the ankles fit perfectly, often an issue in my life. They come in four neutral colors. The sizing chart says they fit 1X – 4X, up to a 52″ waist. My waist is easily 53″ or 54″ and I am a 4X, and they are more than comfortable, and I suspect they would fit the next size up.
Length 35″,  Waist 28″ – 52″, Hips 32″ – 60″, and Inseam 22″

5. Heavy Duty Velvet Hangers: $16.99 for 25 hangers. I often hear of plus size women struggling with keeping their clothes on the hanger. These do the trick.

I hope you enjoy them. And feel free to add to the list in your comments.

Peace…affinity

This is not a sponsored post.

Where Can I Buy Plus Size Costumes 1X to 3X or 4X or 5x to 12X? 2014

For a couple of years I have been writing posts about where you can find 4X and larger, Plus Size Costumes, and with Halloween coming it is time for an update. In addition to retail 4X costumes, as always I am going to include Do It Yourself (DIY) section. Just for reference I am size 26-28, weigh 280 lbs, have a 53″ waist and tiny ankles. My standard for inclusion in this article is that the costume might fit me. My experience is that costumes run small so buyer beware.

Halloween Costumes carries 31 different Size 5X costumes, priced between $28 – $104. They even have 9 Size 7X costumes, but this year there do not seem to be any 8X costumes. But based on one of my reader’s experience, these costumes appear to be generously sized. This is where I would start my search. 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. The Wonderland Cat includes the shrug and “wristlets”.

BigGals Lingerie has costumes up to a size 12X.  They are somewhat expensive, but it is good to know what your options are.  I do not know how late you can order a costume to guarantee delivery before Halloween, I could not actually get them to give me a date on the phone, but I would say beyond October 10th you might be pushing.  They told me on September 19th last year, that if I ordered a costume on that date it would arrive on October 20th.  They generally have a six week delivery time, but that seems to be compressed for Halloween.

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 that might change in the next few weeks.

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.

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 sexy witch hatHips 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!

Torrid has costumes but my experience is that their Size 3X/4X runs really small, so I cannot really suggest them to people my size or larger.  But they continue to have parts to costumes, like Size 5X (I usually wear a 4X in Torrid Tops) Super Hero T-shirts which I am sure would fit me.

Lady Strange Erotic Lingerie carries very sexy costumes to an 8X.

Bustiers: Here is a great blog post, Plus Size and Proud, about Corset Boulevard Global and how they fit and how they look. Great information, and there are a couple of great photos.

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.

aff and MB 50_1659500_nMaking 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 and perhaps some leopard gloves, 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 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

In the spirit of making clothes work as costumes, SWAK has a wonderful layout, where they have taken their clothing line, added some accessories and have created costumes, where the underlying clothing could be worn during the year. Gotta love that!

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