ASOS Curve Body Con Dress Size 24 – Review

red asos pencil LGAs you know from this review, I have a trial membership to Gwynnie Bee, and if you are interested in checking it out please read more HERE (full disclosure: if you sign up after the trial, I get a free month free).  One of the first dresses I tried was this one, because I love the body con look, but because I am apple shaped I thought it would not be a great look for me, and “renting” the look seemed perfect.

This dress looks great standing up forward, although it could use a little shortening, but both standing sideway and sitting down it is not as forgiving as a fit & flare dress, which is how I usually dress. I am thrilled to have tried it and I would love to hear about your body con adventures.

You can see my measurements HERE if you want to know how this might fit YOU. The Size US 24 was a very comfortable fit for me.

Dress: ASOS Curve, Size 24
Boots: Avenue Size 9.5W, my review is HERE, and they are currently on sale
Glasses: I found these in my jewelry drawer, something similar HERE

12/10/13 Update: The red and black dress above has turned out to be my favorite of the ASOS Curve Body Con dresses I have tried on, and FYI it is on sale right now, HERE. I like the weight of the dress, I like the black panels, I may have to buy it.

asos pencil LGI also tried another ASOS Curve Body Con Dress, which I had been coveting for months, via Gwynnie Bee, and once again I loved it, although it was much longer and would need to be shortened, and because it was a much lighter material, it did not do well with the leggings.

Peace…affinity

photos: Leori Gill

Hell Bunny Plus Size Sweaters or How I Learned to Love Spiders!

* Hell Bunny lgest LGSo I have always been kind of prissy about gore and spiders and the macabre (fiction is fine but at the movies I might have to cover my eyes). And then I met this amazing group of people that includes artists, scientists and creatives in general, who love that world. In particular I met Jennybird Alcantara, whose work is sometimes defined as morbidly romantic, and science educator Melissa Alexander, who has a love of all things science and art, and I started seeing the beauty in that world. So when my fellow Ahead of the Curve (see below) blogger, Stina Scott, started blogging about Hell Bunny Plus Sizes and calling her Sugar Skull cardigan spooktacular, and I ran across these amazing Hello Kitty Spider Panties, I could see my point of view had changed, and I had to have them.  AND THEN, I fell in love with this Hell Bunny Spider Cardigan, but be forewarned, I might have bought the last 4X anywhere, after many phone calls!

hell bunny spider sweater LG1This 4X sweater is a tiny bit snug and as you can see does not close easily if left unbuttoned. It feels soft on my body and the design is beautifully crafted. It is a little warm for California but would be perfect for most points East and North. I think it might have looked cute with a white cami for contrast.

FYI: I suspect that the Hell Bunny Dresses would be too small for me in the waist, but if you have a more hourglass shape they might work for you. But I am always thrilled to find a new brand and love their alternative street wear, that encompasses the macabre, retro and a little punk edge.

GLOVES: You can find my discussion about finding gloves HERE.

* Hell Bunny lgest skirt LGSKIRT: This is aASOS Curve skirt, Size 22, that i added a little felt spider appliqué ribbon to, which I may remove.  It came with a belt, which was way too small, and the waist just barely buttons on my 53″ waist.  In order to wear ASOS Curve in the waist, I really need a little stretch since I am barrel shaped, and the widest place on my body is my waist. But I really wear a size 24, which they do not have, so it is really my fault it does not fit.  And by the way, I had to IRON it to get the wrinkles out.  I don’t know about you, but most days I can just spray something and let it hang and get out any wrinkles, but that did not work with this skirt.

You can see my measurements HERE if you want to know how these clothes might fit YOU.

BOOTS: Please see my review of my Torrid Studded Boots HERE.halloween ahead of the curve

Happy Halloween, See my fellow bloggers below in Ahead of the Curve! We are a collective of plus size bloggers coming together to post on the same subject. This month we each have a post on “Halloween” so check them out by clicking on each link.

Trick or Treat Halloween Vintage Pin Up Skirt
Happy Halloween
Halloween Costume Flashback
Halloween: The Fat Girl’s History

I’m a Ballerina!  Plus Size Halloween Costume for the Girly Girl!

Peace…affinity

photo: Leori Gill Photography

A Plus Size Dress from “My Baby Jo” at Rehearsal for Jerk Church

Jennifer Raiser's photo of her feature on Jerk Church in the SF Chronicle

Jennifer Raiser’s photo of her feature on Jerk Church in the SF Chronicle

A few weeks ago I was hanging out in a backyard in Oakland, my brand new neighborhood.  It was hot, I was in the shade, and there was a rehearsal for Jerk Church, a creative musical learning community for musicians and non-musicians alike that gather each Sunday to break bread, share a cup and a song. I was there to hang out with my good friend Jennifer Raiser whom you have met here and here and here and here before.  Jennifer was writing this fabulous piece about Jerk Church that you can and should read right HERE.  The Church started as a group of friends just hanging out together, and have turned into performers who were going to perform that very evening, and they have a Hymnal so you can sing along if you like.

ChurchInTheYardThese men and women were dressed mainly in “Sunday Go to Meetin’ ” clothes, retro dress for the most part, either vintage or new, one of my favorite looks, and the men also looked like they could have stepped out of a backyard party that my grandmother might have given.  There were pies, and cakes, and little sandwiches and deviled eggs, my favorite, and beer and cold drinks.

kaitlin braidinglizards braidThen I turned and there was Kaitlan Hutchinson, braiding her friend Lizard’s hair in a fishtail braid (the tattoo on Lizard’s back is a Tibetan prayer).  Kaitlan was wearing a fabulous teal dress, beautifully made, and of course I had to know more about it.   The dress is a Size 1X Haute Milan Dress in Lake from My Baby Jo in Los Angeles and the material had a wonderful hand to it.  I love the crisscross in the front and the beautiful way the waist is tailored so the skirt flows into semi-pleats. I love it, and it is such a treat to just be out and about and see someone wearing something so beautiful and accessible.  And of course the hat was an extra bonus.

kaitlin better

Peace…affinity

Review of Plus Size Gold Lace Skater Dress From Yours Clothing

Best Yours Clothing Gold  LGLast Thursday night I went to a Fun-d-raiser for the 65 foot Truth is Beauty Sculpture that is being built to be installed at Burning Man this summer.  I wore this femme little gold lace skater dress that Yours Clothing was kind enough to send to me. They sent me a UK size 30-32 which is a US size 26-28 and it fits really well (and now they only carry a U.S. Size 24), and might be able to be worn by someone a little larger than I am.  Everyone loved it and it was fun and easy to wear.  I feel like I could wear this to lunch with the girls or to an evening out since it has such a casual yet dressy look.

better back gold YC  LGI also loved the cut out back which covered my bra perfectly and adds a little extra sex appeal without actually revealing anything. And in case you have not been following along, my tattoo says affinity in Sanskrit, or actually “kindred” which was the closest iteration.

tib Marco JuliaThe event was at Marco Cochrane’s studio, and he did a live sculpture of his wife Julia while we were there.  Marco is the first person I had ever seen live sculpt, and it is a mystery to me how he gets what he sees through his eyes made into a clay, or a 65 foot steel sculpture.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/62843802 w=600&h=338]
photos of skater dress: Leori Gill
photo of Marco and Julia: JRH Photography

Plus Size Tights, Leggings & Jeggings – Size 4X +

One of my fashion role models is my friend and fashion designer, Amber Clisura.  She did not wear pants in 2011 as evidenced by her blog No Pants.  We will be hearing from her soon, she just started a clothing line, Salt Clothing, and is showing her first Spring Line in a couple of weeks. She loves tights and wears them often, and she taught me how fun and useful tights are.

I am a pretty standard size 26 -28 or size 4X, I weigh 275 lbs. and I am 5’5″. In addition, my ankles are 9 1/2″, my calves 18 1/2″, my thighs are 27″, my hips 59″ and my waist is 54 1/2″.

So here is a little round-up of what has worked, what has not, and what I am excited to try next:

The Best So Far:

10/9/2016:
Sock Dreams Tights: This just in, I am hearing great things about these Sock Dreams tights in an Extra Plus Size, and come in both 180 denier and 20 denier (thickness of the fabric),

We Love Colors Plus Sized Tights: They carry a variety of plus size tights and leggings, use the charts carefully.I find them pretty true to size with maybe a 25 lb. margin.

We Love Colors striped tights in both the black striped tights and the white striped tight are “one size fits all” plus size tights, and the chart is below.  These tights just fit me, and I love them.

we love color plus sized one size tights chart

May 2014 Update: We Love Color is no longer carrying striped tights. I am heartbroken.
We Love color

Update: April 2013:  I just tried the plus size fishnets and the “one size” 1x – 3x fit perfectly, but I think I am at the top of their range, the size chart says hips to 48 inches, but they are also not very long. Update: May 2013: I just wore the fishnets for the second time today and they looked great when I put them on, and pulled easily above my waist, but within an hour they were falling down and since I was wearing a fairly short dress over them it was concerning.  I will probably not buy them again but will stick to striped and solid color tights.

On the other hand We Love Colors has a solid color tight that runs up to 375 lbs., (and maybe even a little higher).  I think they are the go-to tight if you are looking for an amazing range of colors, and I love that they last a long time.

we love color plus size tights chart

Sealed With A Kiss: They have a “One Size” legging that fits me perfectly.  I have a 54-55′ waist and I love how good they feel. Just a plain black, stretchy, footless, ankle length, legging that feels good and is wearing well.  This is my everyday, throw them on and go sort of legging.

            Size  
Length
Waist
Hips
Inseam
One Size 1X-4X 35 28-52 32-60 22.5

Torrid:

torrid footliss lights sz 2I love Torrid but their have been hit and miss for me.  I cannot wear Torrid Size 3/4, too small.  BUT their footless tights are great on me. I wear a 2 but often the 1 might be better, but might wear out sooner.  But I hate baggy tights.

Lane Bryant:

LB sz 26Lane Bryant tights tend to run large.  I purchased these Size 26-28 because I loved the studs, but they were way too large, and I have a similar pair that is equally baggy,  I am tugging on them in the photo so they will not look too baggy.  I am going to wear them at an event in a couple of weeks and I will have to take them in.

Roaman’s: .

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.11.36 AMI ordered a size 4X leggings from Roaman’s.  I did not review their size chart, I did not look at any notes I might have had about sizing for Roaman’s.  But guess what, Roaman’s runs VERY large.  According to their size chart a 4X is equal to a 34-36, not a 26-28, which is what I usually wear.  Good to know! I have this in this capri tight as well as a lace banded capri tight and they both run very large, I look best in a size 1X.

Roaman’s also carries a range of metallic leggings, up to a size 5X. I cannot really recommend metallic leggings in any brand.  No matter what size you get they bunch at the knee and the ankle immediately, and I think the bunching looks worse than in other colors.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 6.41.05 AMCult of California: These are my favorite tights, I wore them recently to a Mad Max sort of party and I wear them with black boots or flats, often.  The back is not mesh so they are comfortable and the Size 4X fits me perfectly, and they come to a size 5X.  The are pricey, but I love them so, they were my splurge last year.

My Dissappointments:

Berkshire Queen: Silky Sheer Size 5X – 6x, I can just get them on but it is very difficult

Sealed With a Kiss Jeggings: 4X, I cannot get them on, and I am heartbroken.

Excited to Try Soon:

Curvissa:  Curvissa, a plus size brand in the UK, has a great range of clothing including a selection of cool and casual leggings.  They invited me to have a look at their tights and jeggings and I see several pair I want to try.

Screen Shot 2013-03-22 at 7.39.11 AMThese Fair Isle Print Leggings are my favorite and they come to a UK Size 32 which would be a US Size 30 or a Size 28 at the smallest.  I love them, they are right on trend with the tribal stripes and would look great with a sundress, and there is also an Aztec version.  I also like the lace trim on these.  If I get a chance to try them I will let you know how they fit.

Chubby Cartwheels Leggings:

chubby cartwheelsI have always wanted to try her leggings. I love the lace and these polka dots are precious and of course I love that her leggings come to a US size 32.  I will let you know if I try a pair.

I would love to hear from you if you find other plus size leggings that fit a Size 4X or higher. The more we share information, the more options we will have and the more the retailers will know what we want and need.  Sounds like a win-win for all of us.

Peace…affinity

UPDATE 3/23/2013:

A couple of Affatshionista’s readers, first Tristy, made some useful comments on Facebook that I have  added to make this a more complete discussion.  I REALLY appreciate it, I love learning from all of you.  She begins by outing my legs as smallish so in my description above I have included my measurements.

Per Tristy  “I have BIG legs and it makes a huge difference in finding tights and leggings. So I’m looking for any blog reviews of Size 4X+ leggings/tights for the big-legged ladies, in case any of you know of some. And what works for my big legs you (didn’t) ask? We Love Colors tights (only the spandex ones), Re/Dress Online‘s Teggings, and Domino Dollhouse‘s leggings fit my big legs great. Torrid, Lane Bryant, Avenue, Roman’s – not at all. I am LIVING for the CULT of California’s Rapture Leggings, so I might just have to give those a try. Did you find that they had a lot of stretch?” (My response, “The Cult of California legging are pretty true to size, not a lot of stretch)”

(Tristy responds) “It sounds like you and I have somewhat opposite bottom halves  I find with this kind of stuff, it’s REALLY helpful to know actual measurements of the person reviewing – my thighs are 33″ around and my calves are 21″ – Hips & tummy are 58″ – so that gives everyone an idea of where I’m coming from  – the reason the brands I listed that don’t work for me, don’t work, is because of my legs. Roman’s goes up to really nice, big sizes, but they only give you more in the waist and not in the legs, so I can barely squeeze my legs in them, but am swimming in the waist area.”

Per Amber,  “I’m with Tristy. I’m big all over, and I’ve got tree trunk legs. My calves are 27 inches at the widest point. (I love them, don’t get me wrong, but dressing them is difficult!) But, I left a comment on your post about tights that worked great for me!”  (That comment is incorporated here)  “When it comes to tights, I recommend these from One Stop Shop. They tend to run on the smaller side, I’d size up a size or two, and they seem to have gotten rid of the 8x, which is what fits my 5’7/430lb body. But that means they will fit anyone smaller than I am.”

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR INFORMATION.  I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM MORE OF YOU…affinity

Torrid Sizes 1X – 4X Bathing Suits

Chelsea Vest

Chelsea Vest

I had not planned on posting about bathing suits this time of year, but I saw two fabulous photos on FatToo Anonymous which is a chat room for members of the FatToo groups on Facebook and I just had to share them.  Doesn’t she look fabulous! This is what Chelsea said about her Torrid bikini. She is wearing a size 1 on the top and size 2 bottom:

My first bikini EVER! I fell in love and even cried cause I am cry baby LOL. I just never thought I would be able to wear one of these EVER but I felt like a million!

And then a few minutes later there was Brianna Smith Leonard trying on this Size 4X. It looks like it might run a little on the small side because she usually wears a size 3X but they did not have one to try on. She just looks precious. If you want to read more from Brianna she has a blog, just click here.

Briana Smith Leonard

Briana Smith Leonard

I know it is a little early, but I love these choices and am so pleased to be able to post about the real world. Thanks Chelsea and Briana for letting me share your photos.

Stina Scott

Stina Scott

Update February 25, 2013: Christina Scott was kind enough to send me her photo in her Torrid one-piece cherry fabric suit, which I love.  I think she looks awesome.  This is what she said about how it fits.

This is the Torrid cherry suit in a size 3. I normally would take a 4. I like my suits tight and this just fits me. I’m a 22/24 top and 26 bottom.
Stina

Well it becomes obvious that Torrid is the place to buy a bathing suit this year, whether it is a one piece, two piece or bikini. When I bought this suit over 10 years ago (pre Torrid) it was so boring I HAD to put rhinestones (which you can barely see in this photo) on it before I could even wear it.

Thanks again for sharing your photos with me and my blog, you have no idea how happy it makes me.

Update March 2, 2013: Still getting mixed reviews about sizing of Torrid suits this year but I just read this on Facebook;

If anyone plans on getting one of the one piece bathing suits from Torrid, make sure you size up!! I had to go a size up and honestly I could have done two sizes up if they would have had it in store!

Peace…affinity

British Plus Size Fashion Weekend 2013

british-plus-size-fashion-weekend-4Last weekend was the first ever British Plus Size Fashion Weekend 2013 and I wish I could have been there.  But since I could not I thought I would put together some of the things that I think it would be fun to have seen.  Here are the designers that are participating. Some familiar names like Simply Be, and lots of new names, like Syreeta Badu, that I will look forward to learning more about.  To checkout what happened check out their Facebook Page.

I am including a video below.   I loved seeing the larger sized models and I especially loved seeing one of my favorite designers, Cult of California, toward the end of the video.  I know right now I am going to have to have those back and silver tights.  They are not up on the website yet, but I will be checking every day.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxsZGHhPYMg?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Necklace Reviews and Neckline Cheat Sheet

neckline cheat sheet I came across this fabulous Neckline Cheat Sheet from Charming Charlie.  Seems like I am always struggling with “what is a good look for this neckline?” I have some special plus size favorites for some of these:

domino dollhouse spiked collarcollar etsyCollars: Separate collars are all over the fashion magazines this season. I love the Domino Dollhouse Spiked Collar. I have not tried it on but since it is on their site I assume it will fit a plus size neck. I do not wear much in the way of crewnecks or I would have already bought it.  Etsy Lace Collars tend to be hand made and could be tied with a ribbon to make them fit, and you can get a lot of visual impact for a nominal price and dress up some of your less interesting clothing.  This lace collar is less than $10 with shipping (which may have been sold by the time you read this) and would look fabulous on black.  Do you think you can wear a collar with a turtleneck?  I may have to try that.

D.I.Y. Cyber Goddess

D.I.Y. Cyber Goddess

sonsi plus size necklaceNecklaces: I tend to wear necklaces that I have made or have been made by my friends that are artists but if you are looking for an edgy look Domino Dollhouse is once again my first choice.  I love Torrid, I wear their bracelets everyday, and Torrid necklaces run about 17 inches and often come with a 5 inch extender.  Sonsi costume jewelry necklaces come in a wide variety of prices and styles. The photo above is of a set on this page that I am seeing everywhere. Sonsi also has a fine jewelry necklace line.

faux pearlsFaux Pearls: Etsy has over 5,000 Faux Pearl Necklaces listed right now.  If this is the look you are looking for you cannot help but find it here.  I love this Vintage Triple Strand necklace (which may have been sold by the time you read this). The smallest strand is 22″ and the longest is 28″, for less than $20 shipped. That would work for me even with a turtleneck.

Facebook: If you use Facebook, FatToo Accessora has lots of jewelry.  But buyer beware, there are no returns and carefully view what you are buying.  I find I have about a 50% success rate on this site for receiving items that work for me.  But when I get what I am looking for, often I cannot find it any place else and I love that.

And it goes without saying that Goodwill and other thrift stores are a great place to shop if you are out and about.  Goodwill is often the most inexpensive because they have not been curated or handmade as they might have been in on Etsy or a smaller thrift store.

Shop carefully, check that the necklaces are long enough or that you are willing to wear a necklace extender, but they are out there for a good price, and currently I am loving the vintage or edgy look as you can tell from this post.

Peace…affinity