BIG Fashion...The basics

(Image from Pinterest.com)

I've decided to write some posts dedicated to fashion...now for the disclaimer, I am not any kind of expert when it comes to fashion.  Rather, these posts are intended to be what I like or my thoughts about fashion...and in particular fashion if you are one who is, shall we say, of more generous proportions.  Contrary to what the popular magazines would have us all believe, I think that any size individual can be fashionable and can look great.  It does take a certain amount of of planning, vigilance, and a sense of knowing what suits your size, shape, and lifestyle.

(from ThePaperPoppyStore on Etsy)

When I see a well-dress, well-groomed plus size woman, I can always sense an air of confidence and style.  This is someone who has learned to embrace her curves and isn't trying to hide her body behind ugly, oversized, unfashionable clothing.  I like to think she has uncovered some of the basic rules for looking great...regardless of her size, circumstances, or budget.

Basic Rule #1...Be well-groomed.  No, be uber-well-groomed.  This means your nails are filed and polished.  Your hair is cut in a way that suits your face and looks stylish and flattering.  Your clothes are clean and pressed and your shoes are clean and polished.  People notice when you take the time to put on a little makeup and add a few nice accessories.  And while these things seem like no-brainers, it is disheartening when we see people out in public looking like they just rolled out of bed.  Save the pajamas and sweat pants for around the house...unless you have made a quick stop somewhere after being at the gym, get yourself dressed appropriately to be out and about.  Making an effort makes all the difference.

Rule #2..."Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it."  Buying clothes that fit well and flatter your shape are basic elements to looking great.  To that end, it's important to play around with various pieces to see what works together.  For instance, that strapless dress may look way more flattering with a little cardigan or denim jacket put on over it.  Having a style means knowing what looks good on you and massaging the current trends to fit your proportions.

To give me ideas about what to wear or fresh ways to restyle old favorites, I go to my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest.   http://pinterest.com/hastings1112/what-to-wear/  I find lots of great outfits and it's fun having a place to refer to when trying to put something together.  I've also found many wonderful ideas from some of the people I follow on Instagram.  I love seeing the outfits they wear, and often mimic their style...the greatest form of flattery, right?!   I also try to keep current with the fashion magazines and look on the web sites of stores I love for inspiration.  Here are some favorites from my Pinterest board.

Denim and a maxi dress...from Pinterest.

(From allthingskatiemarie.blogspot.com)

My version...

Scarves are a big part of my wardrobe, and I've found some neat ways to tie them on Pinterest.

(From Pinterest.com)

My version...

Bubble necklace and denim shirt on Pinterest...

(From thechiccollegiate.tumblr.com)

...and my version.

Rule #3...Have fun, be confident.  Probably the most important thing for any woman, plus size or not, is to exude an air of confidence and fun when styling your wardrobe.  It shows when someone is comfortable in her own skin and feels confident about the fashion decisions she has made.  Looking good is just the start...once the basics are in place it becomes about wearing your clothes in a way that says you are proud of who you are and pleased with how you look.  The late Lilly Pulitzer probably said it best...

 
I look forward to sharing some other BIG Fashion ideas in future posts.

All the best,
Kelly

The Merry Month of May...In Review

It's hard to believe the entire month of May went by so quickly...though I must admit I think that about each day, week, month, and year lately. And since I never found the time to add any posts to my blog, I thought I would do a quick review of the month.  Hopefully, I'll do a better job in June!

My month started out great when I helped chaperone a wonderful bunch of kids on a trip to Washington D.C.  They were so excited and couldn't have made us any prouder.  It was such fun to be with them, and I so grateful that we can provide these kinds of opportunities for our public school kids.

Another thing we did a lot of in May was planning for our gardens.  I say planning because it was just too cool to do much planting.  Things are late this year as we had a frost the last full week of the month.  We did go to a native plant sale and got some interesting items.  And I got a beautiful hanging basket that is currently recovering from that late May frost.

Some of our other flowers did well even with the cold weather.

Bill did a lot of nice work in the garden and his efforts are paying off.  We are enjoying onions and these nice radishes with our meals.

We celebrated Mother's Day with a dinner for my mom at our house with good food, nice gifts, and a lot of laughs.

Another fun part of welcoming the spring season was getting to transition from wool skirts and tights to springy clothes and shoes.  I enjoyed a few new things as well as rediscovering some old favorites.

But the biggest news for May is our new addition to the family.  Meet Maggie!

She is keeping us busy...but it's fun to have a dog around again.  

Hope your May was a happy one.
All the best,
Kelly