Beth Ditto’s Domino Dress and Leggings

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 4X Edwardian or Steampunk Costumes

Edwardian Ball 2011My friend Amber Clisura is back this week with How to Dress for the Edwardian Ball.  I think she provides great costume advice even if you do not happen to be going to the Edwardian Ball. I have a couple of cheap tips and plus size suggestions.

dare to wear corset topThe obvious is a corset top. Dare to Wear has this style and other styles in a 5X, and I hear they run a little small. You can read my review and readers comments HERE.

Screen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.40.22 AMYou can find small headbands and “fascinators” everywhere now, but I love the breadth at Amazon, for figuring out how to make your own or buying one inexpensively.  The one above as only $10 plus shipping and would dress up any outfit (second page of the Amazon link). As you may know I live in a costume sort of world so I am always looking for tricks to make it easy.  In the photos in her post some women are wearing bustiers over their clothing, or over a bra, rather than alone.  You get the effect without being so exposed.

Screen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.09.32 AMI also find that most stretch or fishnet fingerless gloves fit me just fine, even inexpensive ones (at 275 lbs).  I have not tried these velvet stretch fingerless gloves and they are a little more expensive, but I would be surprised if they did not fit.  In very worst case, if they did not fit you could sew a little piece of black eleastic into one of the seams, easy and effective.

red gloveThese little fishnet gloves I own in many colors, they are very inexpensive and have never found a pair that does not fit.

tie on bustle MIn addition, a Tie-On Bustle, which will make any skirt you own a costume. It says it is one size, but I have worn these before by just replacing the ribbon. If you want to spend more I would check out Etsy.  Steampunk is kind of “Around the World in 80 Daysish” and not unlike Edwardian in the costume world.

So with a pair of gloves, a fascinator, a ribbon around your neck and a tie-on bustle, you could make almost anything in your closet into a Steampunk or Edwardian Costume.  If you want to stretch a little and try a bustier it would make the costume even more authentic.

And a video with lots of ideas that are not size related, make-up, masks, big fun: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO4eIRpIZ1k?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Hips and Curves has a Steampunk Section on their site. A lot of the collection only runs to a waist measurement of 50″ so that may not be helpful, but they have some cute accessories.

Bustiers: Here is a great bog 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, Clockwork Couture has a variety of accessories.

Or you could do a little DIY steampunk, it is all over the web, last year I did a vacuum tube hat and necklace made out of computer and old doll parts.

Peace…affinity

Torrid Plus Size Tights – Leggings

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

Knoles & Carter Plus Size Leather

I am sure you have noticed by now that I live in a colorful world.  Costumes, short skirts, fake fur…it is all part of both the fat positive and Burning Man cultures that I live in.  So I had to try Knoles & Carter plus size leather when I saw it.  About a year ago, I tried a fuchsia (what I thought was a fake fur but turned out to be rabbit fur) vest, Size 5X – Size 32 according to their charts.  It was made VERY similarly to the Knoles & Carter Jacket above, with an elastic waistband.  Well of course it did not fit, because this brand runs very small, but I could get it on, and wore it once or twice before I gave it away, but IT WAS SO CUTE.  So I thought you size 3X people should know about these jackets because they are precious and yes, in my opinion, the 5X will fit you perfectly.  You can buy one HERE for now, and a little different version in a Size 4x HERE.  In addition there are a few Jessica London leather jackets in a Size 3X which is their size 30-32. I have never tried one because they don’t seem to come in a style I am attracted to, but I thought you should know they are out there and in general Jessica London sizing is fairly true although as I said previously, I have not tried the leather.   Ciao Bellas…affinity

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

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

Beth Ditto – Purple Hooded Spotted Ensemble

This is my first Beth Ditto Ensemble.  I had never even heard of Beth Ditto 2 months ago and then someone on the Facebook FatToo page, which is a Facebook plus size thrift store, posted these purple, big circle, not quite polka dot, leggings.  I love leggings and I love purple so it seemed like a natural fit.  Then a couple of weeks someone offered to sell me the dress/tunic.  It had the retro 80s vibe so I bought it and when it came I was in love.

The dress is a little long and the armholes are a little big which is odd since it should be too small for me since I am a US size 26-28 and it is a UK Size 22-24.  Each of the Evans Beth Ditto pieces I have tried on fit a little differently, so it is difficult to determine how something might fit.  Very disappointing.  BUT, I love the clothes and you will be seeing more of them. Ciao Bellas…affinity

Dress: Beth Ditto at Evans 2009 size 22-24UK which is a size 22US
Leggings: Beth Ditto Evans 2009 size 28UK which is a size 26US
Necklace: FatToo Accessora $10
Boots: Lane Bryant – over 30 years old

Soul Catcher Photo: Frankie Norstad  Taken at Peralta Junction (that is why there is a little dust on those boots ;D)

Beth Ditto – My Fatshion Hero

I have a new Fatshion Hero – Beth Ditto, a wild and rule breaking fatshionista.  She is an American singer-songwriter, most famous for her work with the indie rock band Gossip.  Above is the cover of her brand new book which I am going to put on my Kindle today.

But on to her clothes.  She had a fashion line with Evans in 2009 – 2010, and I have fallen in love with some of her pieces.  I am not going to post any photos yet, I think her book cover speaks for itself.  But I am starting to acquire some of her clothing and am definitely claiming her for my own Fatshion Icon.  In the video below Beth speaks how she developed her style. Watch this space.  Ciao Bellas…affinity

[brightcove vid=46926461001&exp3=8558003001&surl=http://c.brightcove.com/services&pubid=1568114478&pk=AQ~~,AAAAAF13hy4~,k-0ZIL64dAd–E4Uss2ll130zYPVMSNK&lbu=http://www.style.com/video/fashion-moments/fashion-moments/1896809784/beth-ditto/46926461001&w=300&h=225]

Update: On Thursday I posted on Beth Ditto band’s (Gossip) Facebook Page and they shared both my Facebook Page and Blog on their Page.  It made my little heart swell.  YAY!

Domino Dollhouse Redux

In celebration of Domino Dollhouse getting a tune-up on the TV show on the Sundance Channel, Joe Zee – All on the Line I want to show you my favorites in their line because I want Domino Dollhouse to succeed because I LOVE their edge.  I have been watching Joe Zee since the beginning of the series and although I would not want him to criticize me personally I think he has a great eye for making a designer’s work more commercial and often helps improve the quality.

Everytime I wear the Size 4 striped sweater above I get compliments on it.  They still have it but only in a size 1X, but I will certainly be looking for the next one and will buy it when I see it.  Just fun and comfy.

This black size 26 jeans jacket is fun also.  They still have this jacket but in limited sizes. I love the cropping and it think it is similar in cut and size to the black and white heart denim jacket.

And the sheer shirt I just posted about a few weeks ago is the size 4X Lana Blouse, which I would love to have in lavender, but I do not have a lot of opportunity to wear it.

And a special shout out goes to Domino Dollhouse’s owner Tracy Broxterman’s Blog Post about her Betsey Johnson find, an oversize sweater.  Just thinking I could own a Betsey Johnson made me happy, and LOVE is just so me.

Thanks to Joe Zee, Domino Dollhouse is now working with Lane Bryant to bring some of her look to their stores and it seems that she is continuing to design her own line, so I am pleased.  Good luck in the transition Domino Dollhouse, but we can always say “we knew you when”.  Ciao Bellas…affinity 

The Fat Girl’s Guide to Living: a life hacker for the full-figured set

How could I not love a blog that is named The Fat Girl’s Guide to Living: a life hacker for the full-figured set. This was an epiphany for me.  There is a group of women out there checking things out for women my size.  YAY!

After I discovered this blog at 2am, I woke up with this post in my head/heart, so here we go.  I was skinny until puberty and then I started to gain weight and diet, I had boyfriends, I married right out of high school, always trying to lose weight.  I did Weight Watchers, Thin Within, and then I went to college and law school.  After that I started swimming at the Richmond plunge at a women’s “fat” swim (we rented a pool and only women over 200 lbs. were invited – you remember that era of divisiveness, 1982.)  I was mid size by their standards, at 275 lbs.  Yes. I have weighed 275 since at least 1990, per my Dr.’s records. And during that period I became radicalized.  I could love myself just the way I am.  Perhaps eat healthier and by then I was exercizing often with either Dr. Deb Burgard or Cinder Ernst, but it did not have to be about my weight.  I had a couple of periods of weight loss, when I fell in love with MonkeyBoy and one winter when I had the flu, but the weight returned.

So that is how Affatshionista evolved into a pragmatic guide to making clothes work at just a little larger than standard plus sizes.  The standard for “Plus Size” is a Size 24 or a 3X.  I am a Size 26 – 28 and a 4x, as I have been for over 20 years. So the blog’s question has become, how do I find clothes that work for me and you?

But size and mobility touch every part of my life.  When I was 45 years old and exactly this size and weight, it was just a social inconvenience but that is no longer true.  It is now a mobility issue and although it has not manifested, perhaps a health issue.  I chose a funny time to give up exercising which I have done for the last two years.  But there is a segue in here, that is where the The Fat Girl’s Guide to Living: a life hacker for the full-figured set come in. I love their ABOUT page, asking questions about all the things I might choose not attempt because I am fat.  I bet you have seen me do that, but you also see me living large.  Which is really interesting since MonkeyBoy and I just had a LONG talk about the viability of going on a cruise next fall for my 65th birthday, longer and harder than the one we just came home from.  I had thought I was going to have my knees done this winter, but that has not worked out.

But somehow I feel some relief that there are these young women out there to speak the things I am up against but not verbalizing to the world.  What is the workaround for? What do I need to know about before?  Thanks for being there for ME!  Yep, that is why my AFFINITY photo is the lead, this resource feels like it helps me and my peeps.  Check it out. Ciao Bellas!…affinity