Updated Fall Staples

Is Fall the best season? Yes, yes it is. Pumpkins, football, the best seasonal beer, cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, sweater weather and soup season, I can keep going… What’s exciting about fall clothing is adding textures and layers.

First start with leather: maybe because it’s warm, smooth and sexy, either way, Leather (or faux leather) always makes an appearance in the fall and can be worn through the spring. If you’re new to leather, chose classic silhouettes or simpler pieces. You’ll feel bold enough in the leather, trust me!

Striped sweaters are usually very popular in the summer months but are making a moment this fall. This is a great trend for fall because you can easily carry this into the spring and summer next year. The trend is oversized but here are a few of my favorite looks.

Jackets make a strong comeback in the fall for obvious reasons, and this includes blazers. Blazers are seen as oversized and double breasted.

Shoes to add into your closet this fall are: loafers, birkenstock Boston’s (which I slept on) and/or neutral tennis shoes

31 Looks for Fall

Fall Look 1

Grey Half-Zip size XXL, runs large

Jeans size 20

Shoes

Hat

Fall Look 2

Blouse size XXL

Skirt is sold out, linked similar 1 | 2 | 3

Wide-Width Heels are old, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

Blazer is old, but linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

Fall Look 3

Band Shirt is sold out, linked similar 1 | 2

Trousers in XXL short

Wide width tennis shoes are old, linked similar 1 | 2

Fall Look 4

Blouse in XXL

Jeans in size 20, hemmed

Wide-Width Heels are old, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

Fall Look 5

Crop Top in 2x

Slip Skirt & Slip Dress

Booties

Not pictured: Long Cardigan

Fall Look 6

Cropped Cardigan in 2x

Skirt is sold out, linked similar 1 | 2 | 3

Wide-Width Booties

Fall Look 7

Cardigan in 2x

Trousers in XXL short

Wide-Width Heels are old, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

Fall Look 8

Leather Jacket is old, linked similar: 1 | 2

Dress is sold, linked similar: 1 | 2

Wide Calf Boots

Hat is old, linked similar: 1 | 2

Fall Look 9

Denim Jacket in size 2x

Dress is old, linked similar

Wide Calf Boots

Fall Look 10

Hat is old, linked similar: 1 | 2

Leather Jacket is old, linked similar: 1 | 2

Dress is sold out, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3 wearing size XXL, could have sized down

Wide Calf Boots

Fall Look 11

T-shirt wearing 2x

Sweater pants (matching top) wearing 2x

Wide Width Sneakers bought the extra wide width

Fall Look 12

Crop Top in 2x

Long Cardigan is old, linked similar

Trousers in XXL short

Wide-width sneakers

Fall Look 13

Grey Half-Zip size XL

Skirt is old, linked similar

Tennis Shoes

Fall Look 14

Shacket is old, linked similar

Tunic Shirt, size XL

Leggings, size 2X petite

Wide-Width Booties

Fall Look 15

Turtleneck Sweater, linked similar

Trousers in XXL short

Wide-width sneakers

Fall Look 16

T-shirt is old, linked similar

Trousers in XXL short

Wide-width sneakers

Fall Look 17

Crop Top in 2x

Camo Pants are old, linked similar

Wide Width Heels

Fall Look 18

Leather Jacket is old, linked similar: 1 | 2

Maxi Dress in XXL

Wide-Width Lug Boots

Fall Look 19

Sweater in XXL

Trousers in XXL short

Wide-width sneakers

Fall Look 20

Wicking Shirt, in 2X

Athleisure Pants, sold out, linked similar: 1 | 2

Tennis Shoes

Fall Look 21

Shirt

Faux Leather Skirt, sold out, linked simliar

Wide-Width Heels are old, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

Fall Look 22

Sweater in XXL

Athleisure Pants, sold out, linked similar: 1 | 2

Wide-Width Heels are old, linked similar: 1 | 2 | 3

My Favorite Plus Size Jeans

When Loft decided to cancel their plus line, I was left without knowing where to find good jeans. Who can relate? Here are some of my favorite jeans that fit my body well.

Lane Bryant

Seven7s - Straight cut

Got them hemmed to be ankle length

shop



A & F

Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean

*comes in several inseams, “short” are true ankle pants on me

Shop



Good American

Good Classic

Perfect if you don’t want to get ride of your skinny jeans, but still follow trends

SHOP





The Print of the Summer

Blue and white are a staple summer color combo -

but in one print and make it floral, yes, please! I’ve seen this print all over.

I linked some of my favorites for easy shopping!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

plus size female in a blue and white floral dress

Work Wear Staples

Whenever I started a new job, I took a week or so to observe the culture of the office. I took in what the VPs were wearing and what my peers were wearing. Each work environment or office culture that I have worked in has been completely different and has spanned from business professional to casual. With the pandemic changing the world and each industry or office culture doing it’s own thing, I’ve listed a few of my best practices that I follow regardless how casual or professional the industry or office is.

Here are a few of the best practices that I follow for workwear:

  • Fits well - you’re spending 8+ hours in this outfit, you don’t want to tug at it all day

  • Is it appropriate? (Can you do your work (and all of your “other duties assigned”)

  • Skin barring tops are typically looked down upon (untastefully low cut, middriff barring)

  • No rips / frayed clothing or shoes

The last two best practices may be optional in startups or very casual work environments but I have never worked in those environments so I can’t speak to that.

Just for a little perspective, when I worked in a business professional environment, going into the office 5 days a week with a jeans day on Fridays - I had at least: one grey, black and white blazers, skirts and pants (trousers and ankle pants). I kept these staples because workwear is expensive but versatile. To spice things up and add in trends, I filtered in fun seasonal tops, sweaters and jewelry that added color and style.

WORKWEAR TIP: Invest in alterations. If certain staple items are hard for you to find that fit well, take it to a tailor or seamstress. You will get better use out of your purchases and feel more comfortable in your clothing when it fits well. Basically all workwear staples are hard items for me to find off the rack: work pants, skirts, blazers and dresses. I often pay extra in alterations to make these items fit correctly which means spending more on that one item.

I still try to make sure that I have a pair of black pants, white pants, a good pair of jeans and layering pieces but since I’m not going into the office 5 days a week nor am I in that professional of a setting I don’t need to have one of everything.

The majority of suiting options for plus have come a LONG way since I started.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Luxury | Blazer + Pants

Professional | Blazer + Pants

Trendy | Blazer + Pants

Tips on Suiting: If you’re wearing a solid colored suit, make sure the colors match. Major eye sore is seeing a black blazer and black pants that don’t match. If that is an issue - bring in prints to avoid the mismatching.

If you have to wear trousers, seasonless dress pants are the way to go! Especially if you live in an area that has 4 seasons.

Luxury | Trousers or Trousers

Professional | Trousers or Trousers

Trendy | Trousers

Affordable | Trousers

Athleisure | Trousers

*The best time to find new workwear pants is the fall

Luxury | Button Down or Blouse

Professional | Button Down or Top

Trendy | Button Down or Top

Affordable | Button Down or Top

Athleisure | Button Down or Top

Luxury | Skirt or Skirt

Professional | Skirt or Skirt

Trendy | Skirt or Skirt

Affordable | Skirt or Skirt

Luxury | Dress or Dress

Professional | Dress or Jumpsuit

Trendy | Dress or Dress

Affordable | Dress or Dress

Athleisure | Dress or Dress

Luxury | Blazer Blazer Sweater

Professional | Blazer Sweater Jacket

Trendy | Blazer Sweater Jacket

Affordable | Blazer Sweater

Athleisure | Jacket Sweater

4 Leggings You Should Have in Your Closet

I have listed out the 4 types and my go-to leggings that I have in my closet. Personally, I like to have a variety of leggings for different uses so they last longer, which is why I spelled it out below! Let me know your favorite leggings in the comments below!

Faux Leather Leggings

Regular, petite, and tall sizing

*compression fit; if you like a roomier feel, size up

Shop Here

Everyday Leggings that Last

If you are looking for leggings to wear on a weekly basis without noticeable wear, these are it! I find that they don’t wick the sweat away as well as your typical work out legging - so I do not suggest to work out in them.

Shop Here

Leggings for Working Out

These are my go to legging for working out. Sweat wicking, high-waisted, doesn’t fall down - all the good stuff!

Shop Here

Cold Weather Leggings

If you want to participate in any cold weather activities, these are your new best friend! And they sell FAST! For cold weather workout tips, check my guide here.

Shop Here

What I Wore in Kentucky

I tend to pack just the right amount and have zero shame in re-wearing outfits on vacation. On a quick weekend trip, I usually bring limited amount of jewelry and wear it the entire time. To see more of my trip, view my blog post here.

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IMG_4695.PNG

Day 1 & 4

Driving Days - comfort is best!

Jumpsuit

Denim Jacket

Wide width White Sneakers

1EA84386-A8CC-4FF5-9E03-79A43411269E.png

Night 1

For a night on the town after driving 5 hours.

White T-shirt

Faux Leather Paperbag Skirt

Wide Width White Sneaker

IMG_4696.PNG

Day 3

Site Seeing and more bourbon drinking.

Band Shirt

Slip Skirt

Denim Jacket

Wide Width White Sneaker

Beach Bag Essentials

Summer is here and it feels so good! Here are a few of my favorite summer essentials that I keep in my beach/pool bag. But honestly, they are essentials for the summer regardless if you’re going swimming, enjoying a patio hang or traveling.

a FUN bag: nothing says summer more than a bright colored bag or even a straw bag. Here are a few that I like:

a towel: obviously, this depends if you are going to an actual beach or pool but you definitely need something to dry you off.

a summer read: there is something great about reading in the pool or laying on the beach. Just FYI, I pick my books like I do my wine - by the cover, obvs 🤣

skincare: for obvious reasons - although if you read my swimsuit guide - I do like to tan, don’t be fooled, I apply sunscreen - especially on my face that has endured several years of acne medication.

I use two sunscreens for my face, one all over (find it here) and one for my nose.

I am pretty basic with my body sunscreen and use this

thighcare: Yup, you read that correctly. There is NOTHING worse then thigh chafe all summer long. Megababe to the rescue for sure. This is my go-to anti-thigh chafe stick.

eyewear: this is the first year that I have more than one pair of sunglasses. I always waited until I “needed” another pair which is really a silly way of thinking. Here are my favs:

hats: you either love them or hate ‘em, but they definitely help protect you from the sun, bonus points if you are one of the lucky ones who look good in them! Here are a few I’m loving:

Summer Sleepwear Roundup

At age 6 or 7, I knew cute pajamas was a thing. I had a cute babydoll pajama set that I was growing out of and probably a little too old to be wearing around the house but it made me feel cute! What happened in between then and now? I couldn’t find pajamas to fit my body as I grew up - not only my size but also my curves. From a young age, I’ve always been a pear shape and pajama sets historically have not been flattering for curves. Scrubs, flannel pants - all of what was “cool” to wear at sleep overs never really worked for my booty and thighs!

Enter in my time as an associate at a plus retailer. So many customers bought these pajama sets and were repeat customers! At the time, most of the plus size customers were older than me so I wasn’t really interested. However, after I moved to Chicago - with the same retailer, a customer my age and size was taking advantage of the sleepwear sale and bought two sets at one time! Of course, I chatted her up and she said, “these are the best pajamas ever.” I took her advice and bought a set. Now for me, buying a pajama set with shorts takes some courage because I.do.not.wear.shorts. Well, I got over it and like the freedom shorts provide, atleast at home. Honestly, I loved the set! It made me feel like I did in the babydoll from my youth.

These two pajama sets I sized up on them unnecessarily. I don’t buy from these stores frequently so I guessed on the sizes. I would absolutely suggest buying your normal size.

Image 1 | Image 2 top & bottom

These bottom two are some of my go-to pajamas and sometimes even a beach coverup/house dress. While these are old, I’ve linked very similar options for you.

Image 1 | Image 2

Let me know your favorite places to shop for summer pajamas!

Fair Isle Madness

Fair Isle is a classic print dating back to the 50’s in Scotland. This print often is worn during the winter season, on the slopes or for the holidays. It’s a nostalgic look for some and tacky for others; if you’re on the fence about a sweater, I’ve found other fair isle items that are cute for your holiday décor, your ski house or as gifts!

Home Decor

When I say, I got super excited seeing fair isle in home décor this year, is an understatement. During college, I worked at a home décor store and LOVE décor. If you’re on the fence about fair isle clothing, but like the look of the print, you can definitely bring it into your home with this year’s décor.

Table Top

Hosting is my jam, guys! If I was able to host this year, I would definitely accent my current party pieces with some of these fair isle accessories.

Accessories

If you can’t commit to the fair isle sweater, but still enjoy the look - add these pieces into your wardrobe for a little winter fun!

Clothing

This couldn’t be a fair isle post without showing a few different clothing options. Below I’ve pulled a variety of fair isle patterns from a mixture of stores and I have to say, I like all of them 😍

Thanksgiving Looks + Cocktails

Have you heard? Thanksgiving is going to be different this year. If you have always traveled for Thanksgiving, you may be excited that you don’t have to travel, maybe you’re more stressed that you finally have to cook a turkey, or you’re sad that you will be spending the day without your family. Along with the rest of 2020, this Thanksgiving poses several emotions.

I have either traveled for Thanksgiving or worked everyday around Thanksgiving, so the few that I’ve had to myself were well planned. And by planned, I mean, sleeping in, staying in my sweats all day and cooking whatever I want. This year, I’ll have to add in the designated Turkey Day Zoom or Facetime schedule to my plan🤷‍♀️.

To make Thanksgiving special, I’ve either cooked a favorite dish or made a new one. As well as make a seasonal beverage. Which is also the dish that I’m “assigned to” at family Thanksgivings. So, it’s only fitting that I’m sharing this with you.

Instead of sharing where you can find the best Thanksgiving outfit (because, let’s be honest, we’re shopping our closet or in sweats on the couch), here are some fun Thanksgiving cocktails! I prefer recipes that have fun ingredients but are simple to assemble as well as seasonal ingredients because they are cheaper when in season! Enjoy and have a safe and healthy Thanksiving!

Prosecco + Poms

In your preferred stemware, pour prosecco and a dash of pomegranate juice.

Garnish with pomegranate arils (seeds).

To seed a pomegranate, I did a combination of the following youtube tutorials: Video 1 / Video 2

Holiday Slush

This is a family tradition at Christmas, but I have made this drink for several other occasions.

Prep: Combine 1 frozen orange juice can and cranberry juice (equal parts) into a freezable container and freeze for 2 nights.

30 minutes before serving, remove from freezer.

Scoop into desired stemware, drink will be “slushy” and top off with prosecco or vodka.

Garnish with orange slice.

*For a mocktail version, serve with ginger ale.

Sparling Pear Prosecco Punch

This was a new to me recipe and it was delicious!

1 part cranberry juice

2 parts pear nectar (typically found in the international aisle)

3 parts prosecco

Garnish with pear.

Plus Size Snow Pants

Winter activities such as playing in the snow with your children or skiing shouldn’t be determined by your size. Dread no more! I have done the search for you!

I have been skiing for as long as I can remember. My family has been fortunate to be able to rent cottages up at Crystal Mountain for a long weekend every year for the majority of my youth as well as participate in the high school ski club. Last year I skied, at Shanty Creek/Shuss Mountain, for the first time since college and had the hardest time finding ski pants that “worked.” I mean, there are ski pants out there that fit, but did the companies ever ask a plus size person how they felt - or did they just scale up in sizing?

Now, I pride myself on my squat range in normal circumstances - but squatting in some snow pants is severely uncomfortable. And once squatting in snowpants is comfortable, they are falling down when I walk because the waist is too big. Out of frustration, I slid into the DMs of plus size experts (@maxeygreene and @louisegreen_bigfitgirl) about plus size snow pants.

What I learned is international companies are doing snow pants better.

I loved the ASOS pants last year but I was late in the search and my size wasn’t available. I ordered every size around it just to make sure. I was smack dab in the middle. Honestly, I just reordered them for this year. These also sell out FAST!

Sizing

If I did my research correctly this year, I’ve found several brands that suggest more stretch! When buying international, be sure to check the measurement section for sizing. Sometimes, brands convert their sizing into US sizing - but that’s not always the case.

Also, you may be sticker shocked by some of the prices. Snow pants are typically an investment - especially if you use them for winter sports such as skiing and shouldn’t be purchasing on a yearly basis. If you have another favorite ski/snow pant, please let me know! If you’re searching for winter boots, look no further than my closet staples collection of wide width winter boots here!!

snowpants.jpg

From left to right

Plus Snow Raiski Savona (up to 28- not US sizing)

ASOS Curve High Waist Ski Overalls (Up to 26 in US sizing)

Obermeyer Malta Bibs (up to 18 in short, tall, petite)

Eddie Bauer Stretch Ski Pant (1-3x)

ASOS Curve Ski Pant with Stirrup (Up to 26 in US sizing)

Obermeyer Warrior Ski Pant (up to 18)

My First Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wishlist!

Hey guys, get excited!

It’s my first time “covering” the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I included some of my favorite brands, previous purchases and items I would buy. I took into consideration the fact that we are still in a pandemic and most are not shopping or shopping for necessities. Sometimes necessities include clothes so why not update your wardrobe with items on MAJOR sale right now?

Let me just say that while I focus on plus size options, most of the items that I chose are also available in straight sizes. Typically Nordstrom Brands are size inclusive, but I also included Madewell, J.Crew and Veronica Beard. The shoes I chose are wide width but also come in medium.

If you have questions about sizing, Nordstrom is usually really good about describing how an item fits in their descriptions. In case you didn’t know, it’s free shipping and returns.

Now lets get going!

Mix up your WFH routine with these:

Look put together when running errands

Consider these your “nice” loungewear

My absolute favorite and automatically on my wishlist

Are we still wearing actual PJs? If so, these are great.

The Madewell Hype is real! Have you tried it?

Animal Print is forever a Fall staple.

Work wear, do you remember me?

A perfect outfit for when those warm fall days hit but cool nights are here