Create the Look

Plus size model Tara Lynn is a beautiful and curvy size 12. It is so refreshing to see a model with curves and I think she's stunning. Here is Lynn in a casual look we can easily recreate at an affordable price:

(Photo from skinny v. curvy)

Our Version:

Green tunic from Old Navy Plus, $24.50

Black cami from Fashion to Figure, $9

Jeans from Avenue, $8.98(after you use code JLA4030 to save 40% with your Visa!)

Ankle booties from Target, $29.99

Fabric necklace from Etsy's Flora Gayle, $7.50

{friday's fashion file: a pretty weekend look}

There is something fun about the poncho.  When I was 5, I had a blue, white, and pink poncho that my mom used got for me. I remember wearing it with a corduroy skirt, tights, and brown leather clogs. Now, 30 years later, I am loving them again.

I lucked out the other day at the local Salvation Army thrift shop. I found a stunning fuchsia angora poncho. It was $2.61 with tax. It is warm, yet light, and it looks swell paired with dark denim and a fitted black long sleeved tee underneath. The poncho will cover a multitude of flaws--from the dreaded muffin top to a large chest. When draped properly, it can actually help create a lovely silhouette.

I found a pretty one at Faith 21 as well to show you. I've put it with some other budget-friendly finds that will give you a great weekend look, or for busy moms like me, and everyday look.

Shopping List:

Poncho from Faith 21, $24.80

Jeans are from Fashion to Figure, $40

Bracelet from Etsy's Heaven for Bead, $12

{fashion to figure}

{fashion to figure}

I get frustrated when I'm shopping. It is much, much easier than it used to be. Once upon a time I wore a size 20. Or I could sometimes get away with an 18....if it was an 18W. I couldn't shop at my favorite stores anymore. I weighed over 200 pounds. The thought makes me cringe. I had Nicholas, lost the weight quickly, and got pregnant again. At the same time we found out I was pregnant with Ben, we found out my dad had pancreatic cancer and had a very short amount of time to live. In fact, it was the same weekend. We had joyous news and devastating news at the same time. Food made me feel better during a time of intense sorrow.

Dad died before Ben was born. I ate to feel better. After Ben was born, I lost most of that baby weight quickly, only to fall down 13 steps and have a serious fracture that but me in a wheelchair for weeks. I was immobile for a good 3 months. I turned to food again and the baby weight--and a few extra pounds for good measure--piled back on.

At some point when Nick was nearing the end of preschool, I had just had enough. I returned to an exercise routine and good eating plan. It's been slowly but surely with some plateaus along the way, but I have lost over 50 pounds and kept them off. I'd like to lose some more, but I love to cook and love to bake, so I'll need to step up my exercise routine even more to knock off the last few pounds.

I am not a tiny girl. Never have been (except for getting down to a very unhealthy for me size 4 in 1997, but that is another story for another day), never will be. I am a size 12. Sometimes a 14....it all depends on the brand of clothing and the cut. Sometimes, though, I still get really frustrated. I might find a pair of jeans that is perfect in the hips and rear, only to have a few spare inches at the waist. Or a shirt might fit well--with the exception of that gap at the button because it's ill-fitting in the bust.

What's a girl to do but get frustrated at the thought of having to get so many things tailored?

No frustration for me anymore. I recently was introduced to a line of clothing called Fashion to Figure. It is clothing for women sizes 12 to 26. The line was founded by the great grandsons of Lena Bryant, founder of Lane Bryant. I no longer shop in plus size stores because of the hard work I have put into losing weight, but when you are a size 12 or a 14, it can still be frustrating to find tops and jeans that fit hug our curves just right.

I think many of you can relate. The average American woman is a size 14, in fact. When you're at this point, though, where many "plus size" shops feature clothing that is cut too big and many "misses" clothes don't allow ample room in the bust and hips, Fashion to Figure comes to the rescue.

I was sent the Leopard Dolman Shrug to try. First of all, it is made in the USA! How many clothes these days are made in America? Secondly, it is such exquisitely soft. It hangs well. The gray and black is timeless, while giving you a hip and modern look. The fit is perfect. I would normally choose a black tank to go underneath, but it is super cold and damp today, so I am wearing a fitted black crewneck sweater under this with dark trouser jeans. It is really, nice. Did I mention the price? It retails for $22.




There is a great selection from which to choose at Fashion to Figure. They have a great selection of  plus size jeans, too. I normally get a misses trouser jean that fits very well, but I have my eye on Fragile Virtual Stretch Boot Cut Jeans ($38). These would be great with some leather boots and fall sweaters.

Fashion to Figure also carries some great dresses. We're going to a party in a couple weeks and I already have a dress in my shopping bag. It's purple and I think it'd be lovely with black tights and boots. This one is also made in the USA:

Plus I found a top for date night with my husband. It will go with a zebra clutch that I have, some fun bangles, and jeans:

Sequin top, $28

(made in the USA)

I am really excited about trying more from this line of clothing. I like that the majority of the items they sell are made right here in the United States. Not all of them are, but most are. This is rare. I also like that this company can fill in that void in my wardrobe where I get frustrated. Before you order, take a look at the size chart to determine your size. For example, if you are a size 12 on the size chart at one store in the mall I shop in often, the measurements are 39", 31", 41".  At FTF, a 1X or 14/16 will fit the measurements of 36-38", 31-34", 38-41". I advise you to size up.

The clothes at Fashion to Figure are really nice in terms of affordability and quality. I can recommend them wholeheartedly. Another plus--returns are hassle free and are free. You don't have to pay to ship an item back if it's not right for you.

Check out Fashion to Figure. Curvy ones like me will be happy they did!

*Disclosure: I was sent one item of clothing for possible review. This in no way influenced the outcome of the review. As always, all opinions--good or bad--are my own.

{Welcome!}

Since I shared my thoughts with you the other day on my blog, Chic & Green, about shopping when you're an "average" sized woman, I received several emails from readers who have the same feelings.

I have long been pondering a new project relating to styles for real women and after seeing so many women around me being nit picky over their bodies, I decided to create The Embrace Your Curves Project.

How many of you have looked in the mirror in the fitting room and thought to yourself, "Oh, this will look perfect when I lose five more pounds." Or perhaps you can think back to being in the fitting room trying on bathing suits and being extra hard on yourself. Maybe you fall into the cycle I sometimes do. I remember trying on bathing suits this summer and the routine would be something like this:

"Wow! You're down to a size 12. The last time you tried on a bathing suit, you were a 16." So my inner voice gave me that praise for my hard work. And then, snarky Karley would come into play, "Well, you may be a size 12, but you still have wide hips and a couple bumpy patches on the backs on those thighs. Maybe you should lose a few more pounds before wearing that suit out in public."

Have you been there before? I think most of us have. I have a friend who has three young children. She is a beautiful person inside and out and is so self-critical. We can get together on any given day and talk about how we baked cookies and then we beat ourselves up for being at a weight loss plateau. I know many of my friends and I will do this. I think it is common. Instead of cheering ourselves on for losing weight, being healthy, and getting regular exercise, we find some little thing to criticize.

It is time to stop being our own worst critics. It's also time for fashion magazines to get real. I read In Style, for example, faithfully. I can pretty much guarantee you that the average readership of fashion magazines is not 5'11 and a size 2. If I could open a magazine and see beautiful, real women on every page in all shapes, ages, and sizes, I would be thrilled. Some of the most gorgeous women in Hollywood have curves and aren't toothpicks. They have curves and look healthy:

Queen Latifah

Sarah Rue

Khloe Kardashian

Christina Hendricks from "Mad Men"

America Ferrera

Sarah Ramizrez

Camryn Manheim

At the Embrace Your Curves Project, I have ten affirmations for you:

1. I love myself for who I am.

2. I am a beautiful woman.

3. My curves are beautiful, not something to be ashamed of.

4. I will not focus on the size tag, but rather on how my clothing fits.

5. I will not try to hide my figure in too big, unflattering clothes.

6. I will not shop based on the size I might be in 6 weeks, but for the beautiful woman I am today.

7. I will not pass by an item and say, "Oh I could never wear that." You just may be able to!

8. I will respect my body and treat it with love. I will eat healthfully and exercise, but I will splurge from time to time.

9. I will set a good example for my children and not put myself down. Children are sponges. If they hear you saying, "I look fat today", especially if you have a daughter, they might start doubting themselves.

10. I will see my curves in a positive light. They are feminine and beautiful, as am I!