PSW: Get Over Yourself
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Hiding yourself away because you're not a size two is wrong. Stop worrying about how you look and check out these vids of plus sized ladies living the dream and not caring about labels. LOVE THEM!
Or, at the very least, no more mom jeans.
Hiding yourself away because you're not a size two is wrong. Stop worrying about how you look and check out these vids of plus sized ladies living the dream and not caring about labels. LOVE THEM!
Labels: plus size 3 comments Posted by Jae at 8:15 AM
See what I did there? EVERYONE loves a Grease reference, I don't even care who you are. And you're welcome in advance for putting that song in your head for the rest of the day.
Okay, first of all, ignore the font in this post. lol. Something went haywire in the HTML side of things and it went all weird sizes. I like to think it gives the post artsy PIZAZZ.
Ahh, summer. Days of the butt-baring short shorts for teens everywhere, days of horror and fashion conundrums for plus size ladies everywhere. Summer can be tough. Depending on where you live, it's likely blazing hot outside. Total side note, it is SO HOT here in the summer and I hate it. Want to see me miserable? Show up to my house in the middle of July. I'm probably lying on the floor on a pile of ice cubes with three fans and a polar bear. TRUE STORY.
Anyhow, if you're plus sized, the summer brings even more problems because you want some coverage without wearing a snowsuit all day long, am I right? And don't even get me started on swimsuits.
But I promise you can wear clothes that keep you cool AND make your body look good, flimsy fabrics and all. You just need to put a few tricks up your (short) sleeve. HAH! I am on a roll today.
Labels: plus size 5 comments Posted by Jae at 8:41 AM
I know it sucks when you go to the mall and all of the stores are geared toward size 0's, but it is totally THEIR LOSS. I was just reading about British department store Debenham's (which I've used on the site before) using size 14 mannequins and the marketing director saying that it was because most of their shoppers were (duh) a size 14. Aaaaaand how long did it take them to figure it out?
Luckily, you can find clothing stores that are non frumpy AND have clothes that will fit. And more and more of them are rolling out every day. Here is a comprehensive list of plus-size stores, what you'll find there and what you should buy (OMG I love telling people what to buy.) Note that not all of these are plus-size specific stores, some just have extensive plus size product lists. WOO!
PlusSizeFix.com
Unfortunately, PSF is only an online store, but I love it for "all of my friends are going out and I don't want to be the frumpy one" clothes. Mostly trendy stuff, it goes to 3XL and the whole site is filled with cute stuff like this beaded shirt here. Pair with some trouser jeans and a pointy toe and you have girl's night out DOWN.
Lane Bryant
LB has been working hard to change it's image lately, and I really love the new stuff. This pencil skirt is amazing, and their stuff fits well. They are also completely dedicated to helping you find something you like, which means going to the actual store will be a good experience. Best for well fitting, staple pieces that you'll wear again and again.
Faith21 by Forever21
K, it's no secret I love me some Forever 21 accessories, but I love their new plus size line, Faith21 too. Best for trendy pieces, check online first to see what you like. If you want to go in-store, call ahead; some stores don't have Faith21 yet. The larger ones will though. They do a lot of horizontal stripes, so beware. But I LOVE this feather shirt (I have a peacock obsession)
Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft
In sizes up to 18, AT and ATL can cater to the plus size crowd as well. While some of the pieces can be pricey, they are awesome for basics like jeans, dresses and skirts that you want to invest some coin into. I much prefer ATL over AT, but whatever floats your boat!
Torrid
Best for younger moms who aren't ready to dress like they are 35 *just yet*, I love Torrid for younger, less apologetic pieces. Sometimes I find that plus size clothing can be all about hiding or trying to blend in, which is why I love Torrid for being all "whatever" and trying bright, flashy, sexy clothing. II love their line of tights and they always have awesome pencil skirts.
Avenue
Avenue is awesome for a more polished look that is hyper flattering. These people know how to dress plus size figures. How awesome is this dress/sweater/belt combo? I love. And all of their stuff is just plain PRETTY. For sure one of my faves, and great for those PEOPLE I KNOW who are always scared of looking too young in clothes.
Some other places to try?
Old Navy: Old Navy has a plus size line that goes up to 30 and allows you to get great, one season basics.
While Old Navy clothes aren't made to stand the test of time, per say, you can get lots of cheap stuff to last you through the summer so you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Maurice's: Their stores are awesome and it is literally impossible not to find something you like there. They have a plus size section that goes up to 3XL OR 24 and their maxi dresses and business wear stuff is awesome.
(Also, they have really, really good sales. I bought a kimono sweater from there for like $6 BOOM!)
Alright, I think that should do it. There should be no excuse for not finding a place to shop. Remember that most department stores, like Macy's, will also have plus size sections. Whether you head to a specialty store or just a store that offers your size, there are plenty of trends and clothes to try.
Go forth and shop!
Labels: plus size, shopping 6 comments Posted by Jae at 6:39 AM
The fans over on Facebook know how much the term "plus-size" irks me. I always watch "America's Next Top Model" with the sad realization that if, through some complete lapse in judgment, I became a contestant on that show, I would have to stump for plus sizes, despite being fairly average sized. And have you been watching the Lane Bryant controversy with plus-size model Ashley Graham? Her commercials were pulled off the air for having "too much cleavage" while Victoria's Secret ads still ran all hours of the day. I actually saw her on Leno the other night and her body is crazy. CRAZY.
The problem with the whole "plus size" thing is that plus size is actually average in the States, so does that mean anyone smaller than a 6 or 8 should be "minus size"? It's confusing.
The thing is, I get it. Once upon a time, I Was an impossibly tiny size 2. With each pregnancy I've gained a size. I've stayed the same weight, but my body is totally redistributed from all of that good stuff pregnancy and childbirth has to offer (bed rest, anyone? omg worst.) By the way, thanks to my lovely children, A and A. With each pregnancy I've had to learn to readjust my opinion of my body and learn to dress it all over again. And each time I've had to get over my fitting room fears and buck up and do it.
When I was in Canada, one of my oldest friends (not old in the sense of age, but old in the sense that she's known me since I was a baby) mentioned how hard it was to find good clothes for plus sizes and admonished me to put more on the blog about plus sizes and the like. I am happily obliging, because this week that's all we'll focus on. What to wear, where to shop, what not to buy, and how to come to grips with your size.
The first rule doesn't need a fancy outfit picture. It's DRESS THE BODY YOU HAVE. No matter if you need to lose a few pounds, that shouldn't mean that you have to feel like crap until you drop a fiver, you know? You deserve to look good NOW and dress your body well, whether you're a size 2 or a 22. Don't wear sweats because you don't want to buy a pair of jeans until you drop a few. Because that's only giong to perpetuate a cycle of not feeling good about yourself, and that's silly.
Second rule? Monochromatic looks are just as slimming as all black.
Labels: plus size 11 comments Posted by Jae at 7:45 AM
I have the best readers in the whole wide world, I really do. When I first started this blog, it was for a handful of my friends that were asking me what to wear. Little by little, we gained speed and now I have a whole army of moms who e-mail me gross things they spot while perusing the web. And that makes me very, very happy. If you see something awful, make sure to e-mail me or post it on the fanpage. We can all discuss and say "EW" together, and that will warm my heart.
My Aunt Colleen reminded me of the return of the PAJAMA JEAN! They're jeans! They're pajamas! And they only reek of sadness and desperation a little bit!
One of my favorite regular posters and sometimes girlfriend, Arienette sent me these abominations. What's with the flappy pockets? They look like gills. Also, Arienette promised she would have my babies if I posted this, so ... this could get awkward.
YAY! Megan S. sent me FIESTANATIVEAMERICAN clogs. Like really? Just pick a genre. Whatever it is, it shall be ugly. Clogs have no place in your closet.
Carly B. sent me some awesome foot undies. APPARENTLY they are for dancers, but is the crotch-seaming really necessary? She also pointed out that this is a creepy foot fetish pervert's DREAM. Ick. Watch me get a million hits from dirty fetish sites now, THANKS CARLY.
Emily C. sent along this romper offering, knowing how much I would appreciate the giant front bum that it induces. She knows me all too well.
Jessica S. e-mailed over a prime example of what happens when a ballerina, a Barbie, and my four year old get together and drink tequila. They throw up and create these shoes. Sweet mother, that is a lot of pink bows.
This is technically for my sister in law. Every time we go shopping she feels the need to remind me that she is in her 30s and doesn't want to look like she is trying too hard to be young. I finally have a definitive answer: This headband makes you look like you're trying too hard to be young. It also makes you look like the lovechild of Minnie Mouse and Madonna.
WHY? WHY ROMPERS AGAIN? Steph P. sent along this super awful example. Remember when we talked about good floral and bad floral? This floral is very, very bad. I honestly think I owned CULOTTES like this at age nine. CULOTTES!!!
Yup. Definitely squeeze yourself into mint green tapered jeans. And then pair them with hoofy- shoes. Perfect. You now look like my favorite flavor of ice cream. Thanks to Debbie K., for making me crave mint chocolate chip at 9 am.
I think I need to lie down now.
I want all of you guys to bookmark this site for next week (as if you haven't already) because next week we'll be talking about plus sizes! Woo hoo. We just discussed how I hate the term "plus sized" in general, so let's just say if you're more than a size six, you'll want to tune in... or surf over? I don't know what to say?
Let's also give a big thanks to Nat, who is almost done her pregnancy. She's done an awesome job with Maternity Monday, and I think all you preggers are better dressed for it, am I right?
Happy weekend!
9 comments Posted by Jae at 7:39 AM
Did you guys miss me while I played in Canada? I got some awesome material up there for the blog. I took my cousin shopping for Europe of all places, and it was awesome.
But first, I want to talk about something I get asked ALL. THE. TIME. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what to wear to a wedding, I would have AT LEAST a million dollars, no joke. I think weddings are stressful because you're going to see a lot of people, and dress codes can be vague. In a lot of cases, dress code isn't specified at all, so you're left scratching your head a little.
To me, what to wear to a wedding relies heavily on the kind of couple that is getting married, the time of day the wedding will be held, the venue and who is invited. With those key pieces of information, you can show up looking just right, instead of under-dressed or over-dressed (But really, is there anything worse than showing up over-dressed? Seriously.)
Basically, weddings can be categorized in three ways. Technically four if you count black tie formal, but does anyone other than Donald Trump do that any more? So I left it out. But if for some reason you're a member of high society and invited to a black tie wedding, wear a full length gown. That's all I have for you.
Garden Party or Outdoor Formal
11 comments Posted by Jae at 7:36 AM
Labels: maternity 3 comments Posted by Nathaly at 9:41 AM