My Christmas Look: Put a Bird on It

As far as my Christmas outfit this year, I opted for the gray winter sky look with a partridge themed sweater in hopes of standing out amidst a sea of red that others would undoubtedly wear this holiday.

I apologize for the lack of links to purchase the items but most are discontinued or it was a gift, and I’m also sorry for my dirty mirror and wrinkled dress and dark photo. (I kinda phoned in this post)  But I had to share my amazing discounted find on the unfortunately discontinued DNKY Jeans plus size dress that was originally $108!! Hold the phone, that’s an insane price for that type of dress. Thank you sale rack for my $9.98 deal! If you are a bargain hunter like I am, it can be difficult to find larger cute clothing on sale, so I had to share.

Aside from the discontinued DNKY Jeans Dot Dobby Dress w/ Lace Back in size 14, I’m wearing a sweater with a bird on it from Target that is at least 5 years old and has a hole in the armpit because I’ve worn it so much.  I don’t believe it’s available anymore.

The black leggings are from Lane Bryant.  The ones I’m wearing have buttons on the bottom, but I also own a pair with lace on the bottom that are equally as cute and are on sale for $14.47 at LB right now!

The fringed ankle boots were a sale item from Lane Bryant (NLA).

The hair piece I’m wearing is from last years Lane Bryant collection but I cannot find it online anymore.  It is a headband I hid beneath my curls and it did not pinch my giant cranium with its tightness.

The understated elegant necklace was a gift from my loving sister the night before her wedding day.  All I know is that it is beautful and purchased from White House Black Market. I really suck a describing fashion items.

Here is proof that my adorable grey dress was under $10!

I threw this look together last minute because this week has been crazy.  But if I’ve learned anything, when in doubt, just but a bird on it and you will feel cute.

H&M embraces the soft and curvy

H&M Quiet Integration of Plus-Size Model Gets Loud | PLUS Model Magazine.

I love reading articles (like the one above) about how companies are using a wider range of body types, ages, and ethnicity to market their products whether in store or in print.  I especially love it when it’s one of my all time favorite clothing stores, H&M!

I think what I love most about the new softer model in the above ad is she looks curvy and healthy and still has some adorable flabby flesh in her midsection.  Most plus sized models are toned and probably photoshopped to be a larger version of a “perfect” model.  The stomach is one of the toughest place for most women (and men!) to lose weight once they get past 30!  I think most women can relate to the image of the model on the right.  Seeing this woman embrace her “average” shaped body and own her sexy & healthy body in a bikini, most of the female population will hopefully learn to do the same.

The buzz with this H&M ad right now is how it’s not loudly displayed as a “plus sized” photoshoot and the company did not set out to draw attention to this choice in models.  The swimwear is not labeled “plus sized” swimwear and there is no obvious label on this advertisement spread to that effect aside from the subtle + sign after the H&M.  The larger model is an above average model sized woman, a size 12 standing at 5’10”, which has always been the size labeled as “plus sized” in model land.  A size 12 is actually one size below the American average size of 14.  The model, Jennie Runk, actually gained weight to become a model in the “plus sized” category but hopes one day that the term “plus size” doesn’t exist anymore. I love that mindset.  I bet Kate Moss is rolling over in her grave…oh, she’s still alive (and actually looks much healthier these days yay!).  All in all, this is one great step towards body acceptance.  I’m yet again pleased with the marketing decisions being made by this trendy and affordable company.

A while back my social media feed blew up with the photos and articles about the Swedish store with plus sized mannequins.

I naturally approved of this body size variety, but realized they are not the pioneers in larger sized mannequins.  Lane Bryant has been the leading fashionable option for curvy girl fashion forEVER and use appropriately sized mannequins to showcase their 14+ sizes.  I think it’s not recently recognized because they have always been a “plus sized” clothing company, but they too should be applauded for traditionally showing their clothing on average body sized mannequins.

Classy Curves

Living in a large and in charge body, I make it a point to dress well for my shape.  I think every person should feel empowered to dress as they wish and feel beautiful no matter your size, race, sex, etc.  I’d like to start posting fashion based entries to include plus size fashion store links, blogs, and ideas for inspiration.  Please see my Curvy Fashion page for further fashion resources.

 

Get this look via The Curvy Fashionista

I’ve always loved a nice printed high waist skirt, belt (I prefer thick), and solid button downed blouse as an adorable outfit for curves.  I’ve included an older photo of myself below to show how this look falls on a different shape, and to share that I used to sport this look years ago (I am a pioneer in fashion! haha).

Me circa 2006