Chic Star Vintage – A Review

The vintage look is all the rage right now and one on-line store I have been looking at Chic Star hails from China.  One of my favorite aspects of Chic Star is that they solicit designs from the public and pay them a small fee if the design is used, thus the designs have quite a bit of breadth.  In addition, as lots of on-line stores are doing right now they encourage buyers to send in their photos.

Their size range includes a 4X with a bust size up to 56 inches,  but the waist is only 48 inches, seems like the designs might work better on an hourglass figure rather than an apple shaped size 26-28 like me. I am concerned that the waist will not fit, and that has kept me from buying one of these fun dresses.  I would love to hear about it if you have a Chic Star dress…affinity

Kmart Festival Dress – OMG – It Fits!

 This week there was a going away party at the Burning Man Headquarters because one of my favorite people ever and the Communications Manager and Regional Network Manager, Andie Grace is moving on.  She was my boss when I was the Wedding Coordinator for Burning Man for several years and I will miss her terribly. Although it was 68 degrees in San Francisco that day I knew it would be warm at the party so I wore my new sundress.

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I should check out kmart’s plus size clothes, just ’cause.  I ordered this Festival Dress in a Size 26-28 (my size)  for $18.74 with an extra 15% off, and it is 100% cotton, what a bargain.  I had no  hope of it fitting and then it came and when I tried it on it did not fit, but while I was putting it back in the bag and felt a drawstring which untied and then tried again – and OMG it fits and it is precious.  I cannot remember the last time I was so happy with a piece of clothing.  It was made for Burning Man or a hot day in the city.  It also comes in a print and if you wear this sort of thing it is a must have.  You might also want to check out the rest of the Love Your Style Love Your Size line.  I am pleasantly surprised by kmart plus sizes…affinity

Necklace: I made this is 2009, Precious Metal Clay and Colored Pencil
Bra: White strapless Goddess bra, fabric spray painted green for project
Bracelet: Handmade gift at Burning Man 2006
Earrings: Dichroic Glass from Etsy

Just for your amusement I have added a photo of the project that the bra was spray painted for, I made a life size paper mache of Tara: the Tibetian Goddess of Compassion.  I don’t paper mache anymore but I thought this might make you smile.
photo of me and Tara: Julian Cash

photo: George Post

I Love My Raincoat

I think this morning might have been the last little rain that we are going to have so I wanted to tell you about my Mycra Pac size XL raincoat (I am a size 26-28).  I fell in love with one in a store but they generally run over $200, so I stalked them on ebay until I found one for $100.  They are reversible, they run very large, I really wanted an animal print and I always feel dressed up when I wear it, what more could I ask for?…affinity

P.S. I hear there is an outlet store but I have never been there:  Mycra Pac Designer Wear Outlet 535 Center St · Moraga, California

June 2013 Update: Since I wrote this post In Full Swing in Oakland CA has started carrying these fabulous coats.

Torrid 4X Belt – How Does it Fit?

I bought this polka dot black bow belt in a size 4X from Torrid a couple of weeks ago and I love it.  I am always looking for a belt with a little more style.  It fits snugly on my size 28 waist, the elastic parts fold where they should and it is very comfortable.  The little piece of sheer ribbon with the polka dots is not going to hold up and will have to be cut off, but that is okay.

I wear a belt almost every day, so I will be in the look-out and would love to hear about any that have worked for you…affinity