Category Archives: Plus size DIY Size 28

Plus size 4X Gloves That Fit ME! for Halloween Costumes or Everyday

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spider armwamerI bought spider undies (and yes, today they still have the 4X) and had thought I might build a costume around them with tights and a little cami or tank with some decoration added to it,  and I wanted some gloves to wear with it. I wear gloves a lot and I think gloves add a lot to a costume or dressing up, and are an inexpensive way to fill a costume out.  Especially if I am wearing something sleeveless people always mention it when I wear long gloves. It just fills in that gap.  The widest part of my wrist is 7 1/4″ and the widest part below my elbow is 11 1/4″, not the biggest arms ever for a 4X so use my advice with caution.

So here are some spidery/boney/starry and checkered gloves that have worked for me and I think would arrive before Halloween if you ordered them today.

armwamers4x PUNK GOTH EMO SKELETON BONES/PLAID/STARS/SPIDER WEB FINGERLESS GLOVES ARMWARMERS
Ordered 9/28 – delivered from China 10/7. These cost $10.49 shipped, they fit perfectly and might stretch another 1 and 1/2 inch or 2 inches, they come in a variety of designs and they are not toooooo warm. They are a poly knit of some type, like a light decorated sock might feel.

work gloves spider
New GOTHIC 80s Metal Black White Spider Web Mens Black Work Gloves Goth PUNK
Ordered on 9/28 – Arrived 10/2  Would fit a larger hand than mine. These feel like real work gloves, they are heavy and have a rubber sole on the inside.  The decoration is some kind of liquid plastic that would come off after awhile if you worked in them, but I think will last pretty well for street wear. I ended up buying a spider sweater so I think I am going to make these fingerless and wear them, unless it is hot in San Francisco that day (which it sometimes is in October).

woven spider glove 4xFine Webs Black Fingerless Gloves, arm warmers, New with tags, Costume, Claire’s
I bought these first.  They will not be hot and I knew they would fit, because almost all fishnet gloves fit me. These are truly One Size Fits All, they would stretch forever. I paid $6.55 shipped.   These are much more generous than most fishnet gloves, which is what I often wear, but they will not wear very well.  These are from Claire’s originally so you might watch for this sort of thing at those stores. If I decide to wear them I will add a spider decoration, which is now sold out.

I could see myself wearing all three of these sets of gloves on different occasions since they are different lengths, so I am going to keep them.  But usually if I have decided I am not going to wear something I would carry it with me to give to someone I come across that admires my gloves or is unhappy they have not done anything to dress up.

Here are a couple more that I considered, but did not order so I cannot speak to delivery times or fitability, or the nature of the fabric, but I liked them.

High Elastic Antislip Spider Web Wristbands Elbow Guard Protective Gear Sport
These also come in red/orange and look like they are made of finer material, but they might or might not fit.

Spiderweb web arm warmer stockings black white pattern black widow opaque nylon
I liked these too, and they look way too big for the mannequin, so they MIGHT work.

More Halloween news to come, watch this space, and do not forget to check my Size 4X Plus Size Costume Post which I have been updating.

Update 10/15/2013:

opera glovesThis just in, these Opera Length Gloves fit plus size Plus… I have been looking for a pair, they are on my list.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Hello Kitty Halloween Panties

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hello kitty spider pantiesI am not going to model these fabulous Hello Kitty Spider Panties, but I will tell you that I will be wearing these Torrid Size 4X for Halloween, because what do you know, they fit. They are true to size, I am a true 4X, but they are snugish on me, so I do not think they would fit anyone larger. How cute are these?  I am telling you now, just in case you have to have a pair… I am so amused I can hardly stand it.

More Halloween news to come, watch this space, and do not forget to check my Size 4X Plus Size Costume Post which I have been updating.

Peace…affinity

Update: One of my readers says: I have them also in Size 3 and they are too small on me.  I wear a pant size 22/24 , should of gotten the 4.

D.I.Y. Embellished Plus Size Military Jacket

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yours clothing jacketsYou may remember a few weeks ago I posted this Military Jacket that Yours Clothing, a plus size store in the U.K. was generous enough to send me. The details I wrote at the time are at the bottom of the page. But I could not help but think of it as a canvas for embellishment. The buttons and pendants are Burning Man related and are mostly gifts from various artists for a contribution to their work, whether monetary or social media work, or a gift at Burning Man, like the pendant from  artist JennyBird Alcantara,  since Burning Man is a Gift Economy.

Mural: American Steel Studios, Oakland CA

Mural: American Steel Studios, Oakland CA

Of course you can use anything, including glam brooches or patches or hand made buttons or vintage buttons or use old items from around your house or jewelry box or your Mom’s or Aunt’s jewelry box, or make your own buttons.  I think it’s more fun if it speaks to who you are.

Assembly Notes: It gets heavy and awkward.  When I went through all my drawers I had way more than I could use.  And it works best if you can anchor the items, i.e. secure at the top and bottom.  Many of my pendants are made to wear as necklaces and move more than I would like on the jacket.  I think it looks best if the larger pieces are at the top, and I put two large pieces on an arm.  But that is just my point of view.

assemblage jacketThis was my inspiration for the asymmetry, and I may fill in some spots or add to the other lapel, I will know more after I wear it more.  I had not done much crafting for several years until I retired recently and I had forgotten to pay attention to wearability.

I wrote this about the Yours Clothing “band jacket” in my prior post:

It is a UK Size 30-32 that fits my US size 26-28 body. The arms are a good fit for me as are the shoulders, so it is very comfortable and you know that is important to me.  And it is 100% cotton, which means that in the cool San Francisco Bay area I will be able to wear it most evenings since the temperatures stay in the 60°s here.  I have always been a pacifist so I think more of it as a “band jacket” but regardless, it is everywhere this season, and now it comes in our size.  There are epaulets on the shoulders, with buttons and similar details in the back.

Peace…affinity

photo of my embellished jacket: Great Scott Photography

What Shape are YOU?

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IGIGI sent me this info graphic that highlights body shapes and provides insights on what types of clothing complement each body type.  By their definitions I am an Oval, but I almost always tuck-in my shirts, and tend to belt at my natural waist.

Please let me know how you feel about seeing this sort of content.  I kind of like to see what is going on out there so it would be my bias to use it unless you object.

shape-stylist   Peace…affinity

A Torrid Kind of Celebration

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IMG_2621I seem to have a couple of go-to looks these days, when I want to be comfortable.  The look I find myself in most often is a cropped Torrid sweater with either a dress or jeans.  I love the sweaters because I am often warm and they seem to have the best selection of very light – spring like sweaters that I can wear over a simple cami and be comfortable.

JRH Photography

JRH Photography

But what is unusual about this outfit is the jeans.  I sent these jeans to a shop on Etsy called Inspired Wear Jeans and she embroidered a quote of my choice on the side of the jeans “Happy is a Good Vibe for Peace”… John Lennon, and then added a little flare at the bottom to complete the hippie chic look.  I love them, they feel like they express who I am and they are fun and easy to wear.

Sweater: Torrid, Size 4
Top: Macys, Size 3X, DKNY Jeans
Jeans: Torrid, Source of Wisdom, Size 28
Affinity Belt: Ebay
Shoes: Torrid, Size 10

Sydney Erthal Photography

Sydney Erthal Photography

The first time I wore them we went to a fabulous 50th birthday party for our artist friend Marco Cochrane, who with his crew created the fabulous Bliss Dance 40 foot tall sculpture that is on Treasure Island at the moment.

jello shotsTo celebrate and make the evening more festive we made jello shots, from freshly squeezed blood oranges and champagne.  I had never had a jello shot before so it was especially fun and we loved how pretty they were.

Peace…affinity

Dr. Martens Boots for Wide Calves

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Cherie Andres DraperYou know I love boots, but in general find them very difficult, if they are big enough in the calf they are way too big in the ankle and/or foot length.  I don’t own a pair on knee high boots because of this problem.  I know a lot of big girls can wear Dr. Marten’s ankle boots or flats because they tend to run a little wide in the foot, but imagine how thrilled I was when Cheryl Andres Draper posted this on FatToo Anonymous and said I could share it with you.  This is how she has made these fabulous Dr. Marten Velvet knee High work for her:

My calf is about 19″ and these are the ONLY long Doc Marten boots that have EVER kind-of fit my calves. Kind-of, in that I had to do some modifications to make them work. If I wanted to actually lace them all the way up I had to replace the previous ribbon laces with longer ones (I keep forgetting to get even longer ribbons for these so I can have the poofy bow like I do with my red ones). Also, there is a little bit of gapping between the tongue and the grommets. With the black ones it doesn’t matter much as I have only worn them with dark pants so far but with my red ones I duct taped a strip of the wide ribbon on each side of the tongues so the gap wasn’t noticeable. In my experience Docs run wide (I’ve had and have a lot of them over the years, lol) and these are no different, I don’t wear wides but I need to wear chunky orthotic inserts with Docs and there is enough room for those without pinching my feet.

You might be able to find a pair of these on ebay or FatToo Acessora but I also thought these might work with a little stretching.  In my size they run about $150, and good wide calf boots run about $300+, so I may give this a try.
Thanks Cherie for sharing your secrets with us.
Peace…affinity

The Raygun Gothic Rocketship Takes Off

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zkitty strykerThe Raygun Gothic Rocketship has been at Pier 14 for 2 1/2 years. It has been a fun piece of art for San Francisco.  I am very sad about the Rocketship’s departure and I feel like a little bit of San Francisco is leaving. When I was the blogger for the Black Rock Arts Foundation I wrote about the Rocketship a lot, as you can see if you click here.  Now it is leaving and last night the Space Cowboys put on a street party.  While I was there I met the lovely and interesting, Miss Kitty Stryker, who was part of the Rocketship crew.  I loved her uniform, and  loved it even more when she told me that when she had it made she told the designer that she needed ruffles and cleavage and fun.  So I thought you might like to see how that turned out.

raygun yu bestAnd yes, the party rocked and then the Bay Lights came on.  It was a special moment, that last time these two fabulous pieces of art would been seen together.

Peace…affinity

photo: David Yu

Nail Art Even I Can Do!

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From Art & Fashion on Facebook - posted by GC Gabriela Cimpoaie

From Art & Fashion on Facebook – posted by GC Gabriela Cimpoaie

I have loved the new Nail Art everywhere this year.  It used to be you just saw it here and there and it was kind of edgy, but now it is ubiquitous.

prodesign eyeglasses VioletI saw the scotch tape method on Facebook and I thought to myself, even I can do that!  I can imagine nail polish colors to match my eyeglasses, violet and blue.  Do you think you might try this?

I am going to a big party on March 5th wearing black and pewter.  That might be the first round.  I just love having a new little project.

Feb 23, 2013: I think I have found what I am looking for for the Bay Lights Grand Lighting on March 5th.  To match my studded dress, my studded earrings, my studded leggings, my studded shoes and now studded nails.  The nails would all be the same and just the straight lines to match my dress, more about the dress later. Oh yes, and I will be having a professional do my nails, still not really in my range. Matchy, match, nothing succeeds like excess…Screen Shot 2013-02-14 at 11.34.50 PM

stud-nailsPeace…affinity

Obsessed by Plus Size Necklaces and Collars

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Photo: Art & Fashion

Photo: Art & Fashion

Okay, I am obsessed, we have to have another post about how to make necklaces and collars work for you if you are plus size. I am moving, more about that in another post, and I spent last evening looking at collars and necklaces as discussed in my prior post (rather than packing), because there are so many statement pieces out there right now, like the one above.  It is kind of a summer spring Annie Hall look. Who knows what this cost, hundreds of dollars perhaps?  But you could recreate this look with this, in fact I may have to.

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy

HAREMDESIGN on Etsy $45 including shipping.  It has a silver chain at the back which could have an extender if needed. Or you could add a long ribbon so it starts further down and surrounds the necklaces below, more like the inspiration pieces above.  There are other bibs or large lace collars on Etsy that are cheaper, but the lace look may be too lacey for me, although Torrid says the lace and denim look is trending right now.  You could combine it with the necklaces below by putting them all on a ribbon, together or separately.  I think it would look amazing, or maybe something a little more in the same shade and color of the collar above. Or this heavier but still spring summer look:

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy

Statement Necklaces by VintageStarrBeads on Etsy about $30 shipped.

And here are several more statement pieces, all from Etsy, because I love that someone is actually making most of these.  That some woman has found a market for tatting or lace or crochet, or crafting, a talent that she thought was not marketable.  YAY!

lacetime on Etsy

lacetime on Etsy

From lacetime on Etsy

EPUU on Etsy

EPUU on Etsy

From EPUU on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy

From KBazaar on Etsy for under $10 with shipping.

BellaJewelry4u on Etsy

BellaJewelry4u on Etsy

From BellaJewelry4u on Etsy.  Most under $20 plus $5.95 shipping from China.

From OrangePlus at Etsy

From OrangePlus at Etsy

OrangePlus from Etsy $24 plus $18 shipping from the Netherlands

This season is all about the statement necklace look. Be brave and try something a little wild, you will be glad you did, hopefully.  I will try to stop now and get some packing done.

Peace…affinity

Plus Size Necklace Reviews and Neckline Cheat Sheet

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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