Sometimes you just want to throw on a dress that you will look great in, but that you don’t have to think about, am I right? This Igigi Zola dress in Cabernet that I got from Gwynnie Bee totally fit the bill one snowy day in Chicago. We’ve been having a ton of snowy days here…so I knew I had to bulk up on my “wear with black tights” wardrobe…that way, my legs could still have some protection and I can easily go from my bulky snow boots to my sensible heels. Gwynnie Bee was a great resource this winter to add some spice and variety to my outfits without making a long-term commitment to a black-tights wardrobe.
The modest hem length and neckline make it office-appropriate, and a nice dark wine damask print and origami-like draping add some nice detail to this everyday dress. Gwynnie Bee girls, find it here.
See the folds on the bodice? This adds some nice lines and dimension to the dress. If you’re looking for a wardrobe staple…or just a dress to take you through the end of this winter, put this one in your Gwynnie Bee closet. As a side note…I think it runs a little big, so if you’re in between, I’d size down.
Hope you’re all staying warm!
WOWZA. I found some of the cutest, sexiest, hottest bra and panty sets for curvy ladies at Intimacy here in Chicago…just in time for Valentines Day!
But these sets are not just gorgeous and sexy for plussize curves…they are functional…made of high quality materials with supportive seaming and underwires. And of course, the designs range from pin-up cute like this Elomi Betty set…to sultry little numbers like this red lace Simone Perele and royal blue Empreinte…to this sweet pink set from Chantelle.
I visited the Intimacy store at 900 N Michigan (one of 12 locations across the U.S.) and was assisted by the amazing Kristen…She’s the store manager and leads a team of fabulous Bra Fit Stylists. Intimacy prides itself on being a full service boutique, with a highly-trained staff. When you arrive for your appointment, the stylists conducts a mini consultation to determine your problem areas (like your bra straps slipping off your shoulders or underwires digging in at the armpit) and your tastes in clothes and lingerie. The stylists then go and choose different styles from their stock of 90 high-end brands in an A-K cup. They bring them to you while you relax in your room and sip some water. You feel very pampered this way, and it takes a lot of stress out of bra shopping when an expert is assisting you.
I was surprised by how many different styles I was able to try on in a short time, and Kristen explained that the stock is organized by sizes, not by style…so the stylist can see very quickly what options are available in your size and can bring you a wide selection. Kristen also provided me with a few tips for bra shopping, and I’m sharing them with you!
- First of all, you should shop for bras and lingerie in a stress-free environment where you feel comfortable. The stylists at Intimacy thoroughly know their stock and they consult with women day in and day out…women of all shapes and sizes with different stories and challenges with their bodies. They’ve seen it all and they try succeed in creating an inclusive, accepting environment where all of the customers feel comfortable.
- Pay no attention to bra sizes. If you’re like most women…you know about what size you are, and when you shop, you always look for that size, no matter what the brand or style you’re trying. But the problem with this tactic is that every brand is different…some are fuller in the cup or shorter in the straps and with different types of bands. Just because you’re a 40DD in one style, you might be a 38E in another. That’s where the expertise of a stylist really helps!
- The lifespan of a bra is about 1 year…depending on how often you where it and how you wash it. You should always hand wash your lingerie sets and hang them to dry.
- When you purchase a bra, it should fit snugly on the last set of hooks. All bands stretch–this is normal–so buying it on the last hook allows you to move inward and tighten the fit as it stretches.
So…after a thorough consultation, I had to make my choices…I ended up with this adorable Elomi Betty set…
…And this stunning, delicate lace set from Empreinte…
So…have I convinced you yet? Make an appointment at Intimacy and score some sexy delicates for Valentines Day…or everyday!
Thanks Kristen and the Intimacy team for giving me the scoop and finding me these gorgeous sets!
Hey curvy active ladies in Chicago! Have you heard of Ganesha Yoga studio? It’s an amazing yoga space on Lincoln and Belmont-ish. Not only does it have size-inclusive classes ranging from all levels of yoga to Zumba to BollyGroove Cardio…but it has one of the greatest selections of yoga and active wear in sizes XS – 4X that I’ve ever seen!
Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness is the brainchild of co-owners Mindy Hanzlik and Jane Musgrave. They wanted to create a welcoming and supportive studio for men and women seeking to improve their lives through movement regardless of weight, ability, or size. Read more about their vision here.
They know that active bodies come in all sizes, and that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their workout space. So, one of the coolest classes that Ganesha offers is HeavyWeight Yoga® which is specifically designed with modified poses, slower pacing, and lots of encouragement to help inflexible, overweight or obese students realize all the benefits of yoga in a safe and non-intimidating environment. Another unique offering is Stiff Guy Yoga, which is for guys who are not necessarily “yoga guys,” but can benefit from the health benefits and strengthening that yoga can bring. Check out their full class schedule.
And…I mentioned the extended selection of yoga clothes and workout wear, right???
Left: Moving Comfort Sweatshirt and burnout tee, Skirtsports Tough Girl skortpants, and Sweaty band
Right: Soul Flower Stacked Lotus Tank, Shining Shakti Pants in Hearts Ablaze, and Sandpiper Imports fair trade accessories.
I’m going to be going to their classes regularly, and can’t wait to share some of my fitness adventures with you. What are you waiting for??? Check Ganesha Yoga out now and come see me do my warrior pose!
Look fabulous even in a snowstorm in this Kiyonna RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress! I wasn’t really prepared for the weather when I was out on Michigan Ave, but I took advantage of gorgeous snowfall by ducking into the courtyard of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. This was the perfect background for this dramatic dress! Black scalloped lace over a gorgeous plum berry base…with sheer lace 3/4 length sleeves…so elegant! And it’s super comfortable since it’s ponte knit and has a bit of a stretch. (Click on the images to see larger versions!)
 |
| Kiyonna RSVP Lace Cocktail Dress; Cole Haan black suede ankle strap pumps |
This has been one of the most brutal winters ever here in Chicago…and I would have died…literally…DIED without my long line parka from Juno Active. Here’s a cold, hard fact: It doesn’t matter how cute you look in your flirty wool blend coat with a ruffle trim…if you lose your nose to frostbite, you will be wishing that you wrapped yourself in a nice warm parka like this one from Juno Active.
It’s like wearing a big warm blanket…I’ve never felt so free from the weather! The detachable hood is nice too, in case you want to wear some of your cute winter hats for some flair. 🙂
Sometimes its hard to find winter gear in extended, plus sizes, but thankfully, Juno Active (formerly Junonia) has great parkas and winter staples available in sizes 1X-6X. Here are a few other options to keep you warm!
 |
| Reversible PerfectTemp Fleece Vest |
 |
| Alpine Ski Pants |
 |
| Solid 3-in-1 Alpine Ski Jacket |
Seriously, if your winter coats are leaving you cold, invest in one of these Juno Active items…you will be cute, comfortable AND warm!
Plus Size Target Try-On – Spring 2024May 1, 2024
Macy’s Spring Plus Size Try OnApril 19, 2024
Plus Size Casual Wide Leg JeansMarch 1, 2024
Plus Size Denim Try OnFebruary 29, 2024
Plus Size Barrel Jean RoundupFebruary 29, 2024