Going Green

{spring greens!}

Where to Buy:

Dress from Old Navy Plus, $24.50

Earrings from Loubird Handmade, $16

Necklace from Beppies, $32

Ruched clutch from The High Fiber Co., $28

{Spring Style on a Budget}

~Where to Buy~

Bangles by Excessary, $10

Dress from Forever 21+, $27.80

Lip Gloss in Innocent from Silk Naturals, $4.75

Shoes from Target, $24.99

Be My Valentine

A Happy Valentine's Day to all of you beautiful ladies! I love today because of all the pinks, reds, and fuchsias I've been seeing. Why not add a little to your upcoming spring wardrobe?

 Forever 21+

$32.80

Old Navy Plus

$24.50

Accordian pleat dress from eShakti in sizes 0-32

$54.95

Dress from Torrid

$64

Dolman top from Lane Bryant

$39.95

I love this one. I'm going to order it to go with dark denim and strappy sandals!

Forever 21+

$17.80

Bargain Spotting

I had to get the pooch some more dog food at Petco yesterday, so I stopped into Avenue while I was there. For me it is hit or miss there. I really cannot wear their pullover tops because the 14/16 is big at the shoulders and some styles of their jeans are big in the waist of the 14s, but I am telling you that the cardigans and shrugs are perfect for me in a 14/16. 

Like many of you, I have an issue with things that button across the chest. I think that's why I adore shrugs and flyaway cardigans so much--they fit perfectly in the bust at Avenue for me and I found some great deals yesterday.

Almost everything winter is 50-60% off the ticketed price. On top of that, until closing today, you can take another 30% off of that price. In other words, a $36 item would be $10.08 if it was on the 60% off rack, then take an additional 30% on top of that. Nice!

The deals aren't nearly as good online and then you have to add shipping, so this is a case of it being better to go shopping in the store. Plus, I love to try stuff on before I buy to make sure it fits.

I came home with 3 pieces yesterday for under $30. I'm going back later for jeans and I am thinking about this faux fur 3/4 sleeve coat, but am not sure....

My finds:

I also have to say that of all the Avenue stores in the Rochester area, the one in Irondequoit is the best. They have a great selection and I always find a deal. The ladies who work there are really sweet, too.

The woman who rang me out yesterday said that the 50-60% off sale is ongoing as they make room for spring merchandise, but that the additional 30% ends tonight. That doesn't mean more markdowns won't happen, but I just wanted to give you a head's up.

You CAN Wear Jeggings!

There are so many ridiculous "rules" for what a curvy girl can wear. There simply is no hard and fast rule, as long as you dress with your own proportions in mind. It bugs me when I read a blanket statement like "Curvy girls can't wear skinny jeans" or "Curvy girls can't wear stripes."

When dressing, your body type and particular shape is something you need to consider. My friends and I were just discussing jeggings the other day. One of the beautiful ladies involved in the conversation said her clothes were feeling a bit tight and she was at Target and happened to try on a pair for the heck of it. She was telling us how comfortable hers are and that she loves how they look on her.

Some of the women involved haven't even tried them on either because of the so-called rules or because they just didn't think they'd be comfortable or flattering.

Ladies, there just may be a right jegging for you!

Jeggings are essentially leggings married to a pair of jeans. They are stretchy and slim like leggings. As with traditional leggings, you need to pay attention to proportion. There is a right fit out there for you, whether you are a size 6 or a 16 or a 26. Do not let anyone tell you that you're too curvy to wear them. It may take trying on two or three pairs to get the right one, but you can. It is also crucial to use common sense. Would you wear leggings with a cropped top? No. Would you wear a skin tight top with leggings? Hopefully not. This look doesn't work on anyone. I am talking to you skinny ones, too. These are the "rules" I'd follow as well with jeggings.

I actually found a pair in Sears not long ago. The waist is just high enough and the cut just right to make it my favorite pair. I just saw them online for 75% off--they are $10! A word of advice: I would size up. As you know, I hover between sizes. Sometimes I need a 12. In some brands, I need a 14. I bought a 14 in these and the fit is perfect.

Other good choices if you have curves:

Old Navy plus jeggings go up to a size 30.

$32.50

Torrid jeggings

$22.98

A couple of questions people might be wondering. The first one is, "What kind of top do I wear with jeggings?"

I recommend a flowing tunic over them.

Gray tunic from Lane Bryant, $59.95

Tie sweater vest from Old Navy, $36.50

Zebra tunic from Dana Buchman, $19.99 (sale!)

Purple tunic from Old Navy, $24.50

You also might wonder about the best shoes for jeggings. My advice--a fun pair of little booties, heels, tall boots, or ballet flats. All four will work well. Here are some from Mossimo at Target:

Booties, $39.99

Platform pumps, $32.99

Tall boots, $29.99

Ballet flats, $12.99

Accentuate the Positive: Stripes

Do you have beautiful curves? If you've got them, flaunt them. Embrace those curves with stripes. I wear horizontal stripes often. Unless you're wearing them in a wide-striped, ill-fitting dress, stripes are a definite DO in most cases.

Our Favorites:

Horizontal stripes and punchy colors look great with jeans. From Faith 21.

$8.80

The striped cardigan is very chic, too!

From Torrid, $21.97

With heels and a fitted black cardigan, this tulle skirt from eShakti would look great on you!

$44.95

I tried this rayon poncho on at Chico's and with black leggings and boots, it looks stunning.

$39.99

I would absolutely wear this one with jeans.

From Lane Bryant

$34.50

I have this one from Lands' End. A head's up--I find that a large is a very good fit for me in their tops, as they run quite a bit bigger than other places. It's cute with jeans and a tank.

$14.99-19.99

I recently tried on this tunic by Style & Co. at Macy's. It doesn't cling and is really figure flattering.

$39.99

Casual Chic

Today I wanted to talk to my fellow curvy girls who generally do not fit into "plus size" clothing, but find that many misses sizes are cut too narrow. I am really impressed with popular lines realizing that curvy girls want to look stylish, and I am glad to see that they realize that there are women like me in a 12 or 14 who are not cut straight up and down. That is a huge pet peeve of mine!

Chico's and White House Black Market are embracing curvy women. Chico's is a line I've always found good luck with, but now they have sizes beyond their 1-2-3 sizing. You can get up to a size 4.5, which is the equivalent of a size 22. Bravo to Chico's!

White House Black Market is taking baby steps to embrace women's curves. They now offer a size 16. I've found their sizing to be generous as it is, so I think that if you were to be an 18 in some lines, you could wear a 16 at WHBM. 

Coldwater Creek is another line worth mentioning. I personally find many of their clothes to be too frumpy for me (I am 35), but I can attest that their jeans are among the best for curvy girls. It is as though they have designed them for women with hourglass shapes. There's no gap in the back waist band and they graze over the hips without feeling tight.

My favorites are the Natural Fit Bootcut jeans. A head's up--they are on sale for $23.99 on their site right now. They are always in style and what I like is that they are genuinely comfortable. I hate feeling like I cannot bend over in them. They have stretch in them, but not so much that they start to fall down by the time you've walked a block. At Coldwater Creek, they go up to a size 24. I also like the consistency here. I wear a 12 on the bottom no matter what the style at this place and it makes shopping much easier!

Here are some great finds for casual wear found at Chico's, White House Black Market, and Coldwater Creek:

I love this jacket!

Chico's, $89

I'd pair this with dark trouser jeans and boots.

Chico's, $69

I just ordered this one. It's from White House Black Market and is $29.98. regularly $108!

I also ordered this one today...it's adorable and chic.

White House Black Market, $19.98

I love ponchos and wraps. Worn over trouser jeans, black ponte pants and boots, or almost anything, they are fun!

This red one would look great over basic black for the holidays and it is on sale at Coldwater Creek. It's one size fits all and I really feel this is true!

$13.99

One Dress: Three Looks

I love this dress from Faith 21, the plus line of Forever 21. One thing I must note--the sizing here runs small and it is not true to size. For example, as a typical 12 or 14, I need to go up 1 to two sizes here as they run very small. Just wanted to give you a head's up! Oh how I wish for universal sizing--one brand's 12 would be the same fit as another. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

The dress sells for $19.80.

I should also note that the Faith 21 name will soon be going away, as the company plans to just use the name Forever 21+.

While the dress is fun and flirty on its own, you can also create completely different looks with it.

 LOOK 1: Weekend Chic

Click image to enlarge.

Where to Buy:

Denim jacket, Avenue, $39.90

Leggings, Avenue, $16.90

Boots, Avenue, $59.95


LOOK 2: Date Night

 Click image to enlarge.


Where to Buy:
Strappy heels from Target, $19.99
Dangle earrings from Ess's on Etsy, $15.99
Necklace from Chico's, $54



LOOK 3: Dress Over Skinny Jeans

Click image to enlarge.

Where to Buy:
Skinny jeans from Faith 21, $24.80
Booties from Forever 21, $34.80
Bracelet from Forever 21, $10.80

{baby it's cold outside}

It's getting chilly in Upstate New York. It's currently in the 40s with pretty heavy rain and a cold breeze. Inspired by this not quite lovely fall day, here are some coats to keep the chill off and have you looking fab:

Faux fur from Avenue

$59.95

 Timeless camel from Avenue

$129.99

Gray with sweater trim from Lane Bryant

$129.50

Faux leather with leopard lining from Fashion to Figure

$55

{button up}

If you're large chested, one of the most frustrating aspects of shopping can be getting a top to fit perfectly.

When wearing a low cut top, the cup runneth over, so to speak. Button down shirts also pose problems because they can gap. It is hard when you find a shirt that is an ideal fit at the shoulders and waist only to have a gap at the buttons.

Pregnancy is also a time when your bust line is ever changing and you sometimes find that shirts are a bit ill-fitting. I think most of us have been there. I remember having a favorite low cut black maternity top when I was pregnant with Nick and I had to spend 15 minutes fiddling with a safety pin to get it fitting properly so I didn't spill out. What a headache.

I also remember bringing home a new wrap dress with a plunging neckline for a party I went to in February and I had to put a little cami underneath. It was a dress that "would've been perfect if...." You know what I am talking about. We all have those moments when we think something would be perfect "if _________".

There is a fabulous solution to this dilemma and it comes with a memorable name: the Bosom Button. The creator of this fantastic item was fumbling around with a safety pin and came up with this idea in her frustration. And it's a great idea.

Quite simply, it is similar to a tie tack, only you firmly place it through the garment to keep it in place. It is also handmade using Swarovski crystals, so it is meant to be there as an accessory as well. You can use it to keep a wrap dress in place. Use it for low cut tops or maternity tops and to replace missing buttons. It's great for that gap you sometimes get with button down shirts. I even use mine for wraps and scarves.

This can also be used to secure a sarong at the beach or just as a pretty accessory on your jeans. I recently used mine on a sleek black clutch bag to add a little sparkle.

Bosom Buttons sell for $12 each and are available in several different options from crystal to jet to pearl and more. You can also buy a 3 piece collection for $25. I remember seeing this item in In Style and thinking that it was a silly idea. I thought it was nothing more than a simple tie tack. After trying it out myself, I wear it with low cut tops and wrap dresses. It really is a great idea and I recommend them to you.

*Disclosure: I was sent this item for possible review. It in no way has affected the outcome of this review and all opinions are my own.

I {heart} Target

The Artist Dress by Merona

$27.99

Mossimo Kitten heel pumps

$24.99

Bag (my own)

I had a great shopping day today. We're going to a party Saturday night and I have been planning to go shopping to get something new to wear. One little side gig I do is work for an hour or two a month for a local camera company on the study panel. I get to try and comment on different products and they pay for the services of the panel members with Target gift cards. That works for me! I went in for a while yesterday morning and decided to use my gift card today on a dress and shoes for the party.

I never have bad luck at Target. I love Stein Mart and Kohl's for dresses, but I knew I thought I'd see what I could find using my gift card. I lucked out today.

If you're curvy, I really suggest you check out the Merona line at Target. The sizing is quite consistent. I know I need an XL for dresses, typically a L skirt, and XL top. The 14 trouser pants also fit like a dream. I am also very happy with the quality and the prices are affordable. 

Today the first dress I tried on was "the one" for this event. I knew it right away. It's for a birthday party with dinner and dancing for a co-worker of my husband's and she's older than we are. I don't want a revealing dress, but I definitely want to play up my assets and feel good about myself.

This dress is one of those. If you have an hourglass shape like me, this is perfect. It comes right in at the waist, has enough room in the chest, and drapes beautifully (no clinging) over the hips. It is just beautiful on. There's a tie sash attached and it really accentuates the waist. It really is lovely. There are also flower accents on the left shoulder area.

It has a feminine and vintage vibe to it and looks great with the kitten toe pumps I chose in a leopard print. I plan to wear some bangle bracelets and a pair of my earrings with vintage ruby stones that I just made. I have a fun little black purse that will work well with the ensemble.

I think when you smile looking in the fitting room mirror with the dreadful lighting, you know you've found the proper dress!

{give yourself a lift}

Looking pulled together when you're any size starts with proper fitting undergarments. There is nothing worse--no matter what your size--then seeing panty lines or noticing that a woman is wearing an ill-fitting bra.

I'm going to address the latter right now. A good fitting bra is crucial. I recommend a professional bra-fitting for every woman. Many lingerie shops and department stores offer this as a complimentary service. If you don't get professionally fit, here is a good video on how to measure your size at home from You Tube.


Without it, you'll have that unflattering pancake look, massive spillage, or worse--the girls are down near your waist. There's not much more unflattering than boobs touching the waist band of your jeans.

If you have a supportive bra, you'll stand taller, look more confident, and your clothes will fit so much better.

Once upon a time, bras for bigger chests were matronly and dowdy. Not anymore. Price points will vary wildly, but this is a case where quality matters. I have found some fabulous deals at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, even from the most exclusive lingerie brands. You just need to look!

Here are some of our favorites:

I adore this one from Torrid.

$12.99 

Cacique,

$36

From Hips & Curves

$24.95

From Diva Bras

$37

From Her Room,

$82

From Torrid,
$12.49

{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!