Plussize Fashion: Finding the Great White Suit

Ok, I admit it, until today, I’ve never actually worn a white suit… and the one pair of white linen pants I bought 6 years ago languished in my closet…unloved and unworn. But white is having a major moment right now, and I’ve recently had visions of bright white suits dancing in my head–so elegant, fresh and refined. Well, I will NOT be denied. When I saw the spring collection from Jessica London, I knew it was time to make the dream of the “great white suit” a reality.

Details: White Linen Blazer and White Denim Jeggings c/o Jessica London, Reddish cowl-neck top via Forever 21, Gold braided belt via Macy’s, Gold glitter heels via Lane Bryant

The trick to a white suit for plussize women is to make sure the pants are streamlined…while the material is thick enough to lay nicely and not see-through. These Jessica London Stretch Denim Jeggings were just right for my shape! I like a very slim fit through the leg, and I balance the look with a looser top half. An elastic waistband makes for easy on-and-off and lays flat underneath your shirts, instead of the bulk of a button and zipper. Also, I love that they hit right at the ankle, which shows off your cute summer sandals and pedi perfectly!

I’m So Miami-Vicing it here, right???

This Jessica London Single-Breasted Linen Blazer in white has a nice weight to it and looks fantastic paired with white denim jeggings. For those of you who like a roomier, boxier fit to your blazers, this one is meant for you!  Many of my plussize gal pals like blazers that cover their bums and hang below the hips, so if that is what you’re looking for, I encourage you to try this one. It does run a bit big, so I would recommend sizing down.

As I write this post, it’s actually snowing here in Chicago–and YES, it’s April. But I know that summer has to come eventually…and when it does, see if you can spot me in this great white suit prowling around the city!

Spring Staples: Jessica London Classic Boatneck Tshirt Dress

The weather is being frustratingly temperamental…spring one day and winter the next. The only joy to be found in this is the search for perfect transitional outfits. When I went home to Alabama to visit my family recently, it was warmer than Chicago, but still cool. I put together this casual and oh-so-cute outfit for running around town with my sis. This Jessica London Classic Boatneck Tshirt dress in bright jade stripe went perfectly with a cropped denim jacket, camel color leather boots, and gold accessories.

We passed by this awesome old barn by the side of the road, and I begged my sister to stop and snap some pics. Cute, right??

 I’m pretty sure there’s nothing as comfortable as a tshirt dress! And this one from Jessica London is so soft and comfortable. With a loose fit, 3/4 length sleeves, and to-the-knee hemline, it just screams spring staple!

This Jessica London tshirt dress comes in a cute black and white stripe and a ton of solid colors too, so pick your flavor and approach spring with a laid-back, versatile style!

London Times Tapestry Rose Dress is in Bloom in the Garden

It’s SPRING! Spring means flowers and big gorgeous blooms on big, gorgeous curves! This Tapestry Rose Print Dress from London Times that I got from my Gwynnie Bee closet is perfect for the season!

It’s got such great lines…with origami folds at the waist and an asymmetrical neckline are unique details that shape the dress and draw the eyes lightly across your waist and up to your face. And can we talk about the print? It’s a digitalized version of roses, so it’s totally unique and cool, but still ladylike and appropriate for the office.

I snapped these pics at the Lincoln Park Conservatory this weekend…It was the perfect backdrop for this adorable dress! If you’re looking for a dress that perfectly embodies the season and has some flair, put this one in your Gwynnie Bee closet for sure!

4 Ways to Wear Jeans: Gwynnie Bee debuts NYDJ Denim

OK, y’all know I love my dresses…but sometimes there’s nothing better than a great pair of jeans! I’ve been a fan of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans for a while and was thrilled when Gwynnie Bee decided to add them to their collections. I got to try 4 pairs and came up with some super cute outfits that might beat out some of my dresses for the spring. If you don’t know about Gwynnie Bee, check it out here! And for my fellow GB-ers, put some of these new NYDJ styles in your closet!

First up, the NYDJ Jade Legging in Amethyst.

 What a fun color! This dark eggplant purple is unexpectedly versatile…Treat it like black and it works with everything–from casual tees to fancier tops. I chose to go casual and pair it with a graphic-print top from Forever 21. Perfect for running around on Saturdays, popping into shops and grabbing a bite to eat.

The fit of these leggings is perfect. The length hits right at the ankle, and the leg is slim without being constricting. These leggings come in a couple of different colors, so if purple isn’t for you, then try some others!

Have you tried the boyfriend jeans trend? I was avoiding them, since I didn’t think they were a flattering shape for curvy women, but these NYDJ Tanya Boyfriend Jeans in Manchester have changed my mind!

These boyfriend jeans have a slightly cropped feel and look adorable with a cuffed hem, since it reveals the slimmest part of your ankles. They have a slightly looser (but still shapely) fit, and I ordered my normal size, which fit perfectly.

I went for a cool-casual vibe with this outfit and paired it with a loose, colorful floral kimono-esque Bobeau top that I found at Nordstrom Rack, a long mint-green and gold necklace from Dressbarn and my bubble-gum pink Steve Madden heels. I really loved the open detail on the back of this top and the longer hem that lies nicely over the backside.

Next, I switched to classic black NYDJ Hayden Straight Leg jeans, and went for a little edge, but still kept it casual. The straight leg is comfortable and classic–it can be played up or down…and NYDJ jeans have the perfect proportions for curvy women.

I’m loving the perforated leather trend for spring, and this Sejour Black Perforated Faux Leather Overlay Top from Nordstrom was a perfect pairing with these classic, perfectly fitting black jeans and some bright neon peep-toe heels! Simple and cool….just what I was going for!

And now for a little bit of glamour! These NYDJ Sheri Skinny Jeans in Coated Black have some shimmer that make them a surprisingly perfect option for a night out on the town.

 All black is always chic, and this Kiyonna lace overlay top is just risque enough to balance out the denim. I’m a tall gal, and these are a smidge too short for me, but overall, they fit nicely.

 So…I’d say the NYDJ launch at Gwynnie Bee is a big success! It’s going to be hard for me to send them back…I might have to buy a few of them to keep. 🙂

The Perfect Button-Down Blouse for Plus Size Busts from Foxcroft

If you’re like me, you tend to never buy button-down shirts because of the horrible things they do to your figure. Boxy…straining over the boobs…shape suckers…generally, just not a good idea for busty plussize women. However, Foxcroft recently asked me if I wanted to try two of their classic button-down tops…which have been specifically sized and shaped for plus size women’s curves. And, as a bonus, my readers can get 15% off their purchase with code FXBLOG2!

I couldn’t resist the classic collared button-down shirt with 3/4 length sleeves in this gorgeous bright pink.

It’s the first button-down shirt that I’ve ever had that doesn’t strain and gap over the chest! The long darts in the front and back add some nice shape, and the collar stands up nicely to frame the face. The first button is a little lower than a traditional button-down, so it feels more open and will show off any accessories you want to pair with it!

Foxcroft Women’s Essential Fitted 3/4 Sleeve Non-Iron Blouse c/o Foxcroft; Giraffe-print belt via Eloquii; Brown lace skirt via Old Navy
I wanted to go for a business-sophisticated look with this button-down, so I softened the lines a bit by pairing it with a lace skirt I bought at Old Navy years ago. The giraffe print belt and gold accessories add some unexpected flair!  Next time, when I want to go full-on business style, I will probably pair this shirt with a sleek pencil skirt and a blazer.

Also, aren’t these paintings gorgeous? Once I saw them in the lobby of the Four Seasons in Chicago, I knew I just had to snap these pictures!

So…all in all…I’m a button-down convert! Foxcroft has the cutest spring collection coming out, so next time you’re looking for a button-down, take a look at the Foxcroft collection online, or go to your local Nordstrom to try them on in person.