Yesterday I was included in a post about Size 24+ Fashion Bloggers on The Plus Side of Me. Since I love her blog, I was especially pleased to be included and I am thrilled to have other bloggers in my size range to follow. You will see some of them on my “Blogs I Love” list when I update it. Thanks to the Plus Side of Me, YAY!
Peace…affinity
I showed up at a staff meeting yesterday (although I am a volunteer) at the Burning Man Project and there was my friend Jennifer Raiser (who is an amazing blogger and writer) and we each had on our matchie matchie outfits including a black bubble skirt, flats, and a patterned red blazer. It was so fun I just had to tell you about it.
Sweater: Domino Dollhouse – Size 4X – (out of stock)
Dress: ASOS Curve – Size 22 U.S.
Tights: We Love Color – One Size
Shoes: Facebook FatToo Accessora
We Love Colors striped tights in both the black striped tights and the white striped tight are one plus size tights. I am a size 26-28, weigh 275 lbs., height 5’5″ and these tights just fit me and I love them. I have included the weight and height chart below.
On the other hand We Love Colors has a solid color tight that runs up to 375 lbs., (and maybe even a little higher if you extrapolate from my weight in the prior chart).
Peace…affinity
photo: Ben Thompson
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
Graphic 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
TREND #3: 90′s GRUNGE
“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
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.
Click here to see the complete report.
Our journey together continues, but for the last time in 2012, Ciao Bellas…affinity
For the past 6 or 7 years my husband has been Santa at a Volunteer Appreciation Party, so we have more than our share of photos together dressed in Santa costumes, but this is the first year I have had a fatshion blog to share my D.I.Y. costume on.
It is VERY simple:
Hat: Fedora from e4Hats, a lot of their hats run large so I start with them when I am looking for a hat. It is just a $20 red fedora and I added white marabou around the brim. I lost it at the party so I will be replacing it.
Cami: Plain red cami from Avenue, Size 26 – 28, I added white marabou around the bodice.
Skirt: Plain red skirt I purchased on Ebay years ago with a large black waist band, handmade. But if I were looking for one today I would try Jessica London, Avenue and One Stop Shop. They all carry Sizes 24+ and are not too expensive.
Leggings: Leg Avenue Size 3-4X, but the last time I tried that size they were too small. If I were going to buy them today I would buy them from We Love Color, in this striped tight I am right at top of their size range, but their plain colors go to 375 lbs. (We Love Color no longer makes this striped tight)
Gloves: I buy almost any brand for as little as $5 of fingerless, fishnet gloves. They have always fit.
Boots: Last year’s Avenue lace up boot, Size 9.5 W, I wear them often, and the bows were in with my wrapping paper box and I tied them to my laces.
I am thinking of adding white marabou to the bottom of the skirt, what do you think?
My hat disappeared at the party (I rarely lose anything but it is gone, so it is time for a new one). I purchased this one, which is a little pricey but I loved how fancy and light it was since my head gets too warm inside buildings sometimes. But it is too big, and I have a big head, so I will be returning it this week.
Hope you had a happy holiday, Ciao Bellas…affinity
photo: Nicolo Sertorio
Update December 2013: I ended up keeping the hat and using it with my Mrs. Claus costume. I think the new look makes the argument that almost anything will work, even a “go to church on Sunday, hat” it you add your personal touch. 
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
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
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!
Every once in awhile I just like to let you know who else is reading Affatshionista, because I think we are all in this together. So since Affatshionista started here is a map with viewers. I love to know this kind of data. Each of us are making a difference, thank you. Ciao Bellas…affinity
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 
