Get Grungy.
Being that I grew up in the 90s (I was an 80s baby), I got a full dose of 90s style right in my formative years. I’m talking burgundy corduroy overalls, fuzzy wizard-sleeve bell-neck sweaters (I had it in 2 colors!), holographic-ish daisy print baby tees (bought at Contempo Casuals, of course), platform flip-flops, JNCO jeans… the works!
But the one thing I never really wore was plaid. Oh, I imagine some might have snuck in there (I use to be a Curler- the sport- and plaid runs rampant in Curling clubs) but I certainly wasn’t “grunge” by any means.
So, am I making up for lost time now? Perhaps… I find myself drawn to plaid tops and a hell of a lot of black clothes lately, but I’m not about to jump in my Delorean and head back 20 years (omg, the 90s were TWENTY (plus or minus) YEARS AGO!?) to douse myself in H2T 90s nostalgia.
So, while I might be slipping a little grunge into my style now and then, don’t expect me to go full 90s. Never go full 90s.
Dress: ASOS Curve (size 14)
Coat: ASOS (size 14)
Shirt: Old Navy (Size XXL) (Similar here)
Booties: Kenneth Cole (Similar here)
Bag: Sam Edelman
Spring into Style!
When the temperature reminds me of spring and I just can’t bare to wear any more black, I search my closet for the girliest sundress I own. And while I don’t have any baby pink, bow-y, and frilly dresses, I think a thin white sundress covered in multicolored butterflies is pretty damn girly.
I topped off the dress with a thin cropped cardigan for a little warmth and added coverage. The straw tote helps complete the “spring” vibe, and the nude platform pump is not only leg-lengthening, it also allows the dress to shine without competing with the overall tone of the outfit.
While I’m positive I’d burst into flames if I walked into a church, I imagine this outfit would be perfect for a Sunday church service or Easter mass. Happy Easter (or whatever you do/don’t celebrate) everyone!
Dress: Old Navy
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bag: Vintage
Sari, I’m not sari.
Growing up, my childhood best friend was Indian, and consequently exposed me to many aspects of her culture, including their clothing. I was always fascinated by the ornate saris, glimmering bangles and brilliant colors that were infused into every technicolor outfit.
Well, (if you didn’t see where this was leading), this is my version of a modern day, minimalist sari. While, that might seem like a contradiction, I was mostly inspired by the sari (reminiscent of the draping waist of my maxi skirt and the covering of my vest) and the choli (my crop top).
The collar necklace & the bag are also influenced by Indian culture; the deep saffron color of the bag (I know that might be a stretch) is a combination of the top band of the Indian national flag as well as evocative of the vibrant hues found in their dress, and the necklace is a minimalist nod to the opulent wedding choker that most Indian brides wear.
Namaste, fashion lovers.
Vest: Forever21 (size 1X)
Crop top: ASOS (size 14)
Maxi Skirt: Forever21 (size L)
Bag: Sam Edelman
Sunglasses: Street vendor
Necklace: H&M
(Source: psitsfashion.com)
Not sure if you’re aware, but I am Refinery29’s newest plus-size contributor! I was recently photographed & interviewed for an article about their favorite curvy gals! You can read the original here, but I also included it below!
Liz Black
Tell us about your outfit! What are you wearing?
“I”m wearing an H&M floral skirt, an Old Navy leopard-print top, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, and a Patricia Field clutch.”
What’s your go-to styling trick you constantly employ?
“I am not a minimalist, and I really believe more is more. I make sure my accessories are on point, so even my most ‘basic’ outfit stands out. Also, owning a properly fitting bra is so important, and being that a lot of plus-size women are well endowed, I encourage them to go get professionally fit. The right bra will change your entire shape.”
What are your favorite online and brick-and-mortar stores to shop at? Do you have any tips for plus-size girls who want on-trend items without spending a fortune?
“Brick-and-mortar stores (plus-size specific and non) can be hit or miss. Some of my favorite wardrobe pieces have come from Lane Bryant (vegan leather leggings) & Avenue (tribal print pants), but I tend to walk out of there empty-handed more often than not. I also always seem to find something great at Old Navy (they go up to an 18 & XXL in stores).
“My absolute online favorite is ASOS. Their plus-size collection is a perfect example of how other straight-size stores can keep their same design aesthetic as they increase their size range. Plus-size women want to be able to wear the same exact things that straight-size women wear, and ASOS gets that.”
“Finding fashion-forward plus-size clothes is still a challenge, but improvements are being made. You can definitely find trendy items that won’t cost an arm and a leg, but it will be time consuming. I suggest ‘window shopping’ options online to come up with what style and trends you like before wandering through the mall. And don’t limit yourself to plus-size specific stores; plenty of straight-size clothes can fit you, too, especially if they use stretch material. Maybe that dress is more of a tunic on you, but you can make it work.”
Is there a designer (indie or otherwise!) that’s doing plus-size clothing really well right now? Any designers you want to call out that are doing a particular poor job?
“There are a lot of great indie plus-size designers that I’m a fan of. Cult of California, damn you alexis, Ashley Nell Tipton, Youtheary Khmer, and OneOne3 are some of the newest lines to cross my path, and I’m very excited to see how they grow.
“I love H&M, but I’m so disappointed in their plus-size collection. Its regular collection is filled with unique, trendy, fashion-forward items, but the plus-size collection is filled with shapeless, baggy blouses and basics. I’m thrilled it expanded into larger sizes, but I know it can do better than what’s available now.”
What’s your most worn item in your closet?
“There are so many go-to items I own… Either my olive-and-black, contrast-sleeve coat, my perfectly worn-in denim shirt from Target, my nOir Brooklyn Bridge ring, or my black suede Urban Outfitters booties.”
Any cheap scores of late?
“I bought an insane tiger shirt at Walmart for $10! Seen here on my blog.”
What’s one trend you’d never try?
“You always hear that plus-size women shouldn’t wear stripes, bright colors, white, body-con fits, etc., but I think those rules should be completely ignored. I’m going to wear whatever trends and styles I like, and wear them with confidence.”
It’s a fashion blackout.
Whether I’m subconsciously influenced by the love of my last name, or because it’s such a versatile shade, I can’t help reaching for it when I’m in a rush to get ready.
I am obsessed with my vegan leather leggings from Lane Bryant; never did I find a more multifaceted pant than this buttery soft, sleek, edgy number. I truly feel that I could pair it with anything—from a casual t-shirt to a crystal studded blouse—and look completely put together. For this occasion I played off of my natural curves with a sheer lace peplum top, which I belted to increase the exaggerated proportions.
I’m still not over the collar trend, and I’ve taken it to a new level by embracing the stand-alone collar. The studs are what really sold me on this piece, adding a pinch of edge to an otherwise prim & proper concept. Topping off the outfit (bottoming off?) are my newest go-to favorite heels, my black suede and rose gold cap-toe heels. The combo of the rose gold and the suede is more unique compared to most other cap-toe heels on the market, which, of course, makes me love them even more.
I’m sure I’ll be back to color tomorrow, but for now… fade to black.
Top: H&M (Size L)
Pants: Lane Bryant (Size 14)
Belt: Target
Shoes: Nasty Gal
Collar: Bakers
(Source: psitsfashion.com)
Grey and yellow, grey and yellow,
grey and yellow, grey and yellow
Yeah, uh huh, you know what it is
Everything I do, I do it big
Personally I’m a fan of doing what others say I cannot do. (not in an illegal sense, mind you…) Tell me I can’t wear stripes, that I can’t wear bright colors, that I can’t wear body-con clothes, that I can’t mix patterns, and I’ll tell you exactly where you can stick your suggestions.
So, that being said, I’ve been obsessed with these neon yellow GAP pants ever since I came across them online. Their vibrancy is on par to a jar of highlighter fluid under a black light, but considering I’ve never met a neon I didn’t like, I was more than happy to blind all those who dared to check me out that day.
Now, while I love me some neon, I didn’t want to literally be brighter than the sun, so I toned down my pants just a bit by adding a grey blouse and grey snakeskin textured bag. I recommend pairing any shade of yellow with grey for an unexpected balance; if you wear black & yellow you’re bound to look a bit bee-ish, (which could be your thing).
And instead of wearing plain shoes, or grey or neon yellow ones (because you know I own a pair of neon yellow heels), I strapped on my geometric-heeled pixilated-floral Aldo Rise heels. It adds to the quirkiness of the outfit without overpowering the entire look.
Top: Old Navy (Size XXL)
Pants: Gap (Size 18)
Bag: Target
Shoes: Aldo Rise (Size 10)
Bracelets (From bottom to top): Electric Picks El Diablo, Vendor at NJFFFW, nOir, Forever21
