It’s been a while since I posted about my love for Gwynnie Bee and what an awesome resource it is for plus size fashionistas who want variety in their closets! But I thought it was time to feature it again, since there’s so much happening over at the “hive” and they are turning 4 years old! A ton of new lines have been added and the Gwynnie Bee selection is out of this world! {Check out Gwynnie Bee Here, if you’re interested!}
Eloquii is one of their recent acquisitions, and I am thrilled, since that line is on the pricier side, and I love having access to so many of their fabulous pieces for one monthly rate. This allows me to play around with many different looks and take chances with my fashion, without the financial investment…and without taking up permanent space in my closet! Here’s a recent example of a fun outfit I put together with the Eloquii Slick Scuba Hi Lo Skirt from Gwynnie Bee. It’s got a ton of French Flair, n’est pas?
Eloquii Slick Scuba Hi Lo Skirt from Gwynnie Bee; Sejour Black Striped Tee; ASOS Pom Pom Heels
The scuba knit fabric of this Eloquii skirt is heavier and you can definitely tell it’s higher quality. The under skirt is shorter, and the front panel is split to reveal flashes of your legs underneath — so it’s modest, but with a hint of sex appeal. Oh, and of course…for all of you pocket-lovers out there, there are pockets at the hip. Eloquii always runs small (I learned that from trying on so many Gwynnie Bee items!) so be sure to order a size up!
A little dose of self-empowerment featuring this mirror from bottledBrooklyn
As a plus size woman, people always ask me, “Where do you get your confidence from?!?” Or they say, “I wish I could be as confident as you are.” Whenever I hear this, I get so sad because it seems to be an anomaly for plus size–or even straight size–women to feel confident and sexy and fabulous…not to mention fashionable. Why do so many women — of all sizes — struggle to feel confident in their bodies and believe that they are powerful and beautiful and can take on the world if they need to?
I recently read Mindy Kaling’s book Why Not Me? (It’s an awesome read. BUY IT HERE) and she said that the first question she always gets asked in interviews is about her confidence — and she’s like a size 6!
And don’t even get me started on Oprah’s Weight Watcher’s journey…
Wait, WHAT???? I completely respect her right and her desire to lose weight…but to think that after all of the incredible work she’s done and the huge impact she’s had on the world, that she still views the defining struggle of her life to be her weight… That “every overweight woman” cannot become the woman she wants to be because of her weight? It’s shocking and so so sad.
Does being fat make me any less intelligent? Does it make me less analytical, tactical or insightful or motivated to accomplish my goals and dreams? Am I less funny, less charming, less kind, less passionate? The truth is, my confidence and self-worth exist independent of the number on the scale.
Could I exercise more? Sure. Should I try to eat healthy foods and tons of fruits and veggies instead of the brownie I currently have in my hand? Yes. But there is always something that we could be working on to improve our mind, body and spirit. Why must we be consumed by and obsessed with the need to be thin, thinner, thinnest?
I say no. I reject the notion that I can’t be the woman I want to be because I’m fat. There’s more to being a woman than our bodies and I, for one, hope that women everywhere will stop believing that their lives, their confidence and their accomplishments are limited and diminished by their weight.
Do I try to lose weight after I’ve indulged once too often? Yes. Will I continue to strive to be healthy? Yes. Do I try to go to the gym multiple times every week? Yes. But it is NOT the defining struggle of my life, and it is NOT the end goal. We need to change the narrative. We need to change the messages that bombard us every day. We need to surround ourselves with people and things that motivate and empower us.
So…to get us off on the right foot, I’ve rounded up 5 items that I keep around when I need a little dose of empowerment…
1. Self-Empowerment Mirror from bottledBrooklyn
2. Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jes Baker {BUY YOUR COPY HERE}
3. Diet Industry Dropout Crop Top from Chubby Cartwheels
4. Be Bold Be Brave Be You Tote Bag from Candid and Co on Etsy
5. What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you Fly? Wall Art {BUY IT HERE}
What are your favorite inspirational/motivational/empowering reads, tees, or prints? Share!
It’s never too early to start prepping for festival season! When the temp starts heating up and your calendar starts to fill with outdoor festivals and fests, you are going to wish you had this AX Paris Plus Size Tunic Dress with Flutter Sleeves and Crochet Hem from ASOS Curve! The bright bold print and the short flirty hem will guarantee that you’ll look cute and fresh no matter how hot the day gets. The flutter sleeves are whimsical and catch the wind perfectly. The smocked top is off the shoulder and might lay a little odd if you’re busty like me, but with some adjustments, it will lay just right. What more do you want from your festival wear? Throw on some fringe boots and a cross-body bag and you’re ready to rock the day (and night) away.
AX Paris Plus Size Tunic Dress with Flutter Sleeves and Crochet Hem from ASOS Curve; Comfortview Fringe Boots c/o Fullbeauty.com; HOBO cross-body bag via Nordstrom Rack
Don’t want to show that much leg? This dress will look great with some leggings and flats too!
I’m obsessed with ORANGE this season! Admittedly, this obsession started immediately after I tried on this Simply Be Pleated Dress with Lace Detail. This plus size dress comes in this bright tomato color and it is EVERYTHING. Case in point:
Simply Be Plus Size Dress with Lace Detail and Pleats
If you haven’t heard of Simply Be yet, prepare to be amazed! This European brand has got a fabulous selection of plus size dresses, skirts and everything in between! Check them out for sure when you’re buying your spring/summer wardrobe!
I wore this amazing dress to an event today at Macy’s hosted by Shai from Drunk on Shoes. It was great to see a lot of local Chicago style bloggers out and about, and Shai is so friendly and fun. Check out my Instagram for pictures from the event!
I’m a southern girl from Alabama, and I grew up with overflowing hydrangea bushes in my front yard. So I had to have this amazing Plus Size Hydrangea Print Dress from City Chic the moment I saw it! The print is so bold and saturated, and the shape is flirty and feminine–complete with a tulle underskirt that helps the skirt flare out in a fabulous full way.