Tag Archives: Curvy Fashion

Beth Ditto’s Domino Dress and Leggings

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aff 1st beth dominoAs you know, if you have been following along, Beth Ditto is my Fatshion Hero.  I have been lusting after the domino dress and tights that she designed for Evans in 2009.  I have been lurking on ebay and the “thrift store” plus size sites on Facebook for quite some time, and here they are.

My bodycon dress is a U.K. Size 32, which is equal to about a size 28 in the US.

The tights are a much smaller size, although they are no longer tagged.

Shoes: Torrid Size 10, very comfortable.

The Hunt:  I went on the Facebook sites and ebay every day and searched for Beth Ditto.  On ebay I had to narrow that to clothing because she shows up under books, magazines, make-up and music, before you even get to clothing.

So, I am still on the hunt for the Beth Ditto Heart Dress in a larger size and there is a Face sweater that I would love to try too.

I wore it on Saturday to Fatty Affair and got lots of compliments on it and had lots of fun wearing it.  I am sure I will be taking it out for a stroll again soon.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Calvin Klein Dress

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allison calvin kleinI went to Fatty Affair 2013 on Saturday and had a fabulous time, there was entertainment, information, vendors, community and a clothing swap.  I will have other photos to share with you, but I had to share this one today because it is the most fun Calvin Klein size 24 precious dress.   I did not know Calvin Klein even made fun plus size dresses. She did buy it on sale so it is probably not around anymore, I did search for it.  Sorry.

Allison looks fabulous in it.  She is also wearing a Size 3X “Active” Sweater and a vintage petticoat.  I am calling her Fashion Princess.

Peace…affinity

Joe Zee’s 2013 Fashion Trends – Where Can I Find Them in Plus Sizes?

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Joe-Zee-Elle-Magazine I am a big fan of Joe Zee. He is the the Creative Director of Elle Magazine and hosts “All on the Line”, a fashion series on the Sundance Channel. I feel like he has his finger on the pulse of what works and what is next so when I saw that ABC did an interview with him I wanted to share the highlights.  I thought you might like to see the suggestions in some plus sizes.

TREND #1: LACE

Torrid Nude And Black Lace Splice Tank Dress – On sale now $39

Torrid Red And Black Lace Tube Top – On sale now $32.98

Lace was huge on the runways for spring.  Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Bottega Veneta and Burberry were some of the best examples. It is definitely a return to delicate, feminine dressing.  I love the idea of lace detailing on skirts, pants and coats. Lace tops are great to pair with a structured blazer to offset the sweetness. A super easy way to integrate the lace trend into spring is a lace tight!  Joe Zee

TREND #2:  JAILHOUSE STRIPES

IMG_1803Graphic prints like stripes and checkerboard were huge on the spring runways. Most notable were the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton shows, both designed by Marc Jacobs. Strong prints were sent down the runway in all silhouettes, from gowns to minis to suit sets.  The best way to integrate this into your spring wardrobe is piece by piece. A strong jacket or blazer pairs well with a dark jean or cropped pant where as a skirt or pant goes well with a classic button down or a super soft t-shirt in black or white.  You can keep your whole outfit graphic and on trend without turning into an optical illusion!  Joe Zee

Old Stripes are New Again

TREND #3:  90′s GRUNGE

IMG_2539“90’s grunge is rough and girly with a great mix of patterns and proportions. It’s about a balance of texture and toughness.”

I am about to add rhinestones going the other direction on this DIY Size 4X top, and you cannot really tell that the shoulders have lace on them. This is a top I found in my drawer and decided to use for studding…affinity

For spring, layer a great knit over a delicate dress and add a great boot. Mixing prints like floral and plaid with a solid in between is also a great way to step into this trend!  Joe Zee

In Joe Zee’s Own Words: Four Wardrobe Must-Haves

1) A black leather moto jacket.  This is an Elle wardrobe staple for all seasons.  Leather adds great texture and toughness to almost all pieces of a woman’s wardrobe. Cool with jeans, pencil skirts or over dresses. We saw spring-weight leather at many shows this past season – always a great investment piece. Joe Zee

Simply Be Leather Look Biker Jacket – $105 

Michael Kors Biker Jacket – $399 – only in 1X

Inc. Non-leather Jacket – $99.50 (plus 15% off code) size to 3X – I find this brand runs large. If I needed a jacket, this is what I would try and I am a 4X…affinity

IZOD Leather Moto Jacket – $129

Very difficult to find this late in the season most of the plus size biker jackets I looked at were sold out…affinity

2) Skinny dark jeans (slim cut).  Denim finds its way onto every runway season and it’s why it’s on our trend list each season. Dark denim is seasonless and a necessary addition for spring. Pair it with a blazer or leather and add accessories to go from day to night. Joe Zee

Torrid currently has 67 versions of skinny jeans

3) A blouse or skirt with ruffle detail.  Ruffles and romantic details were huge this spring! Tone it down with a ruffle detail on a blouse for a bit of romance without being overwhelming.  Joe Zee

Torrid has a wide selection of items with ruffles

I had a more difficult time finding just ruffle detail on the edge of a collar or just down one side of the skirt.  Maybe those are not yet in plus sizes…affinity

4) A structured blazer.  Another major trend this past spring was suiting. We love the idea of breaking up a suit to still keep it cool! Pair it with jeans and a t-shirt to keep the ease. Joe Zee

ASOS Curve Blazers – Size 22 = about a size 26 US

Blazers are everywhere this year, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Jessica London, etc. I have tons from my many years of working in the corporate world so I will not be buying any…affinity

PEACE…affinity

Affatshionista in 2012

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The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for Affatshionista, for her first year.  In the spirit of transparency I thought you might like to see it.   The blog received over 12,000 views in a little over 10 months, there were 104 new posts, and the busiest day of the year was October 25th with 351 views and of course the most popular post that day was Beth Ditto – My Fatshion Hero.

Thanks to each of you for reading and contributing to my blog.  I love including people I meet along the way, my friends and my funny Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) projects. I am thrilled when you find something useful or amusing, I am having a great time.  A special shout-out to my friend to Ali Baba, my most avid reader and commenter, but know that I can feel the presence of each and every one of you helping to stretch the parameters of what is fun and appropriate clothing for a 64 year old supersize fat woman.   I continue to be most delighted by receiving hits from around the world, I cannot imagine what they think.

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Click here to see the complete report.

Our journey together continues, but for the last time in 2012, Ciao Bellas…affinity

Plus Size Yoek Review – Alphabet Top – Fashion Failure

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IMG_2580

I have always loved to read and thus have always loved words, letters and fonts. Even my Affatshionista logo is made up of words.  So when I saw Skorch Magazine’s post by Bellas Styles that she had purchased an Alphabet Skirt from Yoek in the Netherlands, I had to have one.  I am not much of a pencil skirt girl, I like my skirts short and fluffy or pleated so I opted to an Alphabet “Tunic”.  And I cannot even tell you how much I loved that the letters in the print were in curvy lines, so fun.  I hope it is long enough to wear with tights.

I love that Yoek’s Plus Size is a size US 28-30, and the description of the item says This shirt has a flare fit.

So the top has arrived and it is just not very becoming.  In general I do not wear flowy clothing and it is 95% Polyester and 5% Elastic.  I am going to return it since it cost $113 Euros, which is about $150.  I do love the print but it is unlikely I will order from Yoek again.  Do you think it might have looked better if I had ordered a smaller size?

Screen Shot 2012-11-29 at 2.03.18 PM

Ciao Bellas…affinity

Torrid Plus Size Tights – Leggings

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IMG_2475These are some Size 2X 100% polyester tights I bought from Torrid this summer. The stretch comes from the fact that they are woven. They have a different sizing scheme since I wear a 4X in Tops and 5X in dresses and a 28 or 30 in pants at Torrid.

IMG_2467I love them.  I had been looking for something a little abstract in a plus size without much luck.  I find them difficult to wear unless I am wearing all black so that is a little limiting, and the lace skirt and top from Torrid were probably a little too “lacey” for the abstract cotton looking leggings. Still looking for the perfect outfit.

The bracelets came as a set from Torrid also.  I love bangles and they are often too small for me so this really makes me appreciate Torrid.

Ciao Bellas…affinity

VooDoo Doll Costume – D.I.Y.

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So last night we went to a Voodoo Luau Birthday Party.  We had a great time, my friend was turning 39 and had a new deck with a view of the city.  So of course I had to make a new costume.

Top: Torrid – 4X with a heart pin cushion from ebay with stick pins in it, and a few stitches I added of lavender yarn
Skirt: (sorry no photo, it must be in someone else’s camera) 3X Jaclyn Smith from Kmart
Gloves: Amazon – Lace Gloves – Good fit and I love that they were already laced with ribbon.  I like these gloves even better and they look like you could actually adjust the size if you were larger, and they are less expensive.

Ciao Bellas…affinity

D.I.Y. Plus Size 26 or 4X Wonder Woman Costume

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I got it in my head that I wanted to be Wonder Woman for Halloween this year and I could not find a costume large enough so I made my own.  I wore it to a little art event on Sunday.  I had fun in my costume and I have included a little tutorial below.  Ciao Bellas…affinity

Cami: Avenue Size 26-28
Skirt: Kmart Love Your Style, Size 3X, elastic waist, not fitted skirt
Boots: Lane Bryant Size 10W, over 30 years old
Tights: We Love Color, Size C/D
Belt: Bob’s Belts, Size 3X, I have worn these belts for years, they are comfortable but the 3X is the largest, and it just fits my size 28 waist, even with the stretch.
Wonder Woman Lasso: Amazon, I purchased it since it could be purchased as a standalone accessory and size was not an issue.  I taped the ends together but next time I wear it I will attach the tacked ends of the rope to the inside of the little hanger loop that was provided so the rope stays in four little loops.

I considered purchasing the Wonder Woman accessories but I found them to be either VERY expensive or made from felt for $8 or $10.  I did not like either option so I decided to make my own.

1.  Wonder Woman Top: I found a Wonder Woman logo which I printed, cut out and cut on all of the black lines and then drew all of the black lines on the cami using a black Sharpie.  I used gold leaf because I have gold leafed for years, but it would have been much easier with gold fabric paint like Pebeo.  It dries well and is easy to use. Like most fabric paint it can be fixed by either ironing (cotton position), for 5 minutes, on the reverse side of the fabric; or in the oven, for 5 minutes at 300˚.  Of course you could use any red t-shirt, I happened to have the cami and I like sleeveless tops because I get too warm.

I just found this Wonder Woman t-shirt at Torrid. I generally wear their 4X in tops, but it also comes in a 5X, it would be a good base for a casual costume.

2. Wonder Woman Skirt: For the skirt I used a black skirt I had (I used it for my bee costume this summer) and used fabric paint to paint it blue.  I liked the effect but it of course would be MUCH easier to use a blue skirt.  I also found more traditional fabric (royal blue fabric with white stars, like the American Flag) but since I do not sew, making a skirt was not an option.  I also found some larger skirts at Jessica London that might have worked but by then I had run out of time.  I purchased a star stencil and used gold spray paint, but a better choice would have been non-spray fabric paint since you would not have an over-spray problem.

3. I found a tiara template, so I used it to cut out the cardboard.  Then I gold leafed it and used the red star from the template and just glued it on.  I used Velcro to fasten it in the back and this template was more than large enough for my head, which I found surprising, but I tightened it a little too much.  After I wore the tiara the first time I trimmed about 1/4 inch along the bottom edge.  It was much more becoming, sorry I did not get a photo of the change.

4. For the cuffs I just wrapped some cardboard around my arms and cut it out and gold leafed it.  I then printed the tiara template a couple of more times and cut out the red star and glued it to the cuffs, although you could just trace around the star from the tiara template and color it in.

5. The belt I painted with gold spray paint although of course it would be easier to just wear a gold belt.  I have always worn belts but have a problem finding them in a size 26-28 since I am my biggest at my waist, so creating a gold belt was easier than trying to buy one.

The cardboard did not hold up very well at the daytime event where it was hot.  So before Halloween night I put a little shellac (could use Mod Podge) to make the cuffs and tiara a little more robust and give them a little more body.

photos: Taken at Peralta Junction
Middle photo: Leori Gill
Bottom Photo: Frankie Norstad