CONFESSIONS OF A FAT GIRL

Recovering From Flip-Flop Phobia

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However the content and opinions are all mine.

Go ahead, say "flip flop phobia" five times real fast. 

If you can do it, I tip my hat to you. 

I'm sure I'm in the minority of Southern Californians when I confess that I don't really care for flip-flops. I always had this weird thing about feet and in fact, never even got a pedicure until I was in my 20s (don't freak out -- I took care of my feet, I just didn't want someone else touching them). But I suppose I've matured out of all that a bit and eventually, flip flops found a way into my wardrobe. And even onto my feet... in public…for extended periods of time. 

Will wonders ever cease? 

I'm not quite venturing into more stylish flip-flops just yet. Mostly I enjoy foamier, sportier styles. But I'm getting there... I actually feel like Reef is a great way to go because I've come across an entire collection of stylish but padded sandals. Check these out and tell me which one you like the best in the comments:

Incidentally, I had no idea Reef made anything other than flip-flops. They have some seriously cute shoes, guys. You gotta go look. The "Compassing" boots are toying with my emotions. HELLOOOOO!

Only here in SoCal can you shop for flip-flops and boots in the same season. We live in a complicated weather system, kids.

I do have to do something soon, though. The cheap flip-flops I've been wearing for a couple years now (no joke, I bought three pairs so they would last forever) are finally boring me and I've found they're not comfortable for prolonged wears. So padding like what you're seeing in the choices here? Optimal. A few weeks ago, while I was furniture shopping (it never ends), my left leg just went out on me. And a throbbing pain shot up from my foot to my knee. Every flip-flopped step that followed was excruciating. My parents, who were with me, were even concerned. In any case, it was a huge reminder that I gotta get some better sandals. And shopping online tonight has, thankfully, proved that I can have function and fashion with brands like this one. 

This One's For the Ladies: Bra Sizing Secrets

The struggle is real.

Thought we could all benefit from this one, ladies. I know I can! (She says as she tugs on her bra strap for the 19th time today...)

The Most Revealing Item of Clothing I Own

This post is dedicated to my mommy. Because she really hates it when I wear this particular item of clothing and all but dared me to write a blog post about it.

When I was 10 or so, I think - we're fuzzy on the details - someone brought this shirt home for me. I've always believed it was my grandfather. He worked in apparel and I feel like this was a spare part somewhere along the way. It was gifted to me. Who knows? Maybe we bought it at Target. But anyway, over sized as it was then, the shirt ended up as a nightgown for me. 

It was my favorite for a long, long time. Through middle school and high school. Then it came with me to college.

Eventually the fabric was so worn, you could see through it. And holes began to rip. Larger and larger they grew. First one in the shoulder that didn't keep it from being wearable but eventually two in the front. 

I used to be a huge basketball fan.

In the photo, I had to put a black tank top inside the shirt so it would turn out in the photo - the fabric is really frail now. The holes look smaller here -- when I wear the shirt, and it hangs, they are rather gaping. I suppose it's pretty atrocious.

My mom likes to tease me about the shirt but I think she knows I'll never part with it. There are very few things I've had so long and even fewer that saw me through so many phases of my life. 

I never wear it anymore. I keep it folded up and hidden in the back of a drawer (because my mom also teases me she'll sneak in and get rid of it when I'm not looking). Sometimes I take it out and put it on. It's not really a nightshirt anymore, of course. Naturally I'm quite a bit taller - and definitely wider - than I was at 10, but there's something deeply comforting about it.

No, I'll never part with my Lakers shirt. 

For the Curvy Mistress

Discolsure: This is a sponsored post

Struck gold this weekend, finding another great online outlet for curvy, fabulous dresses. And the brand name is pretty sexy:

Little Mistress has done something not every plus designer has been able to manage -- they have made stylish, girly, FUN dresses in plus sizes. Nothing here looks like something mom or grandma might be able to wear. In fact, nothing here looks like anything I've ever seen in plus dress offerings before. 

They also have a really unique color palette. I approve.

And while you're there, if you are a fan of FIERCE shoes - and I mean SUPER FIERCE - dig around the "Paper Dolls" section because DAYUM:

Right?! If I could walk in heel like that, those fabulous ones all the way to the left would be MINE.

Little Mistress is a rapidly growing label, based in the UK but with a US online shop as well. No doubt they will be more present here soon. It is difficult not to love their line -- they have a fantastic, chic, confident brand with items on trend, in style, and ideal for social ocassions. Most of their pieces can transition well day-to-night, too! Everything they sell is designed in-house. And they pride themselves on lush textures, flattering shapes, and detailed embellishments. The devil is in the details, after all -- that is my favorite. Like gold detailing on the navy dress. LOVE! 

I'm also fairly obsessed with their Pinterest boards, for the record. They have glittery things and puppies. So I'm pretty hooked.

Use promo code IAMNEW at checkout for an additional 10% off! BAM! 

Hope you all had a great weekend. And that you bought something shiny. ;)

 

 

It's Raining SHOES

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

SHOES! SHOES! OMG, SHOES! This post is for the ladies. (Okay, men and kids, too, but mostly... the ladies.)

Shoetique is an independent footwear retailer based in Hale, Cheshire, just on the outskirts of Manchester (Has anything ever sounded so totally British and fabulous in your entire life?). They aim ensure every pair of Shoetique shoes are comfortable, durable and look great!

I was ecstatic to see tons of brands I recognize: Sperry, Birkenstock, Skechers and Clarks (don't judge, they're SUPER comfy) to name a few. 

They have earned a loyal customer following over the years by putting their customers at the heart of everything they do. They joined the online retail world in 2009 and are now one of the leading online footwear retailers in the UK. But don't let that stop you, America. Because I hear this internet thing is handy for buying things from all over the place and making them show up at your very own door. 

So I went fantasty shopping. I picked out all of these:

I don't know what happened... At some point I becamse fascinated by BOAT SHOES. And they have them in hoards. Does anyone else like them? I don't actually own a pair, mind you, but I want them... Are they as comfortable as I imagine them to be in my dreams?

Now if you're not a lady (in which case, AWESOME - I love my man readers), I did do some fantasy shopping for you. The mens' shoe choices are pretty swank. 

Also, this is not normally my thing, but the Shoetiques kids are adorable. Crocs are never okay -- unless they're mini Crocs.

Fashion Frills and Thrills

Disclosure: I don't really have one. No one paid me to post this and I didn't receive any product to review. I just wanted to share this discovery with you because, well, I'm a giver. It's just how I am. You're welcome, internets.

Good news: A new plus-size fashion discovery, Frill Clothing! Hooray! In customizable fabrics and colors. You choose and they will quote you a price and get to work. Frill is a North Carolina based apparel brand, showcasing professional business casual styles, appropriate for various industries.  These cute and fun dresses are perfect for spending days at the office and grabbing drinks after work.  All items are priced between $60 and $150, making it super affordable! 

Bad news: They do not feature plus size models on their website so make sure you take your measurments and know your body before ordering. Also, it's a little hard to search through - be patient. Do not let "bridal" and "sorority" deter you -- these looks are still fine for the corporate world or the busiest socialite. (Of course, if you are in a sorority or getting married, definitely give this site a look -- they've nailed a cute, hip, uniform look.)

Here are some of my favorite items. Their accessories are also fabulous! 

 

They are only in their third year of business and growing fast. Kudos to the company founders, Sharon and Kate, on bringing us stylish, mix-and-match basics of all sizes (they go up to a 28)! 

More: 

• Like them on Facebook
• Follow them on Twitter and Instagram

 

Sweet, sweet shoes from Dolcis

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

A fashion forward footwear brand born of humble beginnings, Dolcis was first brought to life on a cart in a small town market in 1863. Business soon grew and Dolcis graduated to its first store trading under the name of The Great Boot Provider. By 1920 the company was a public success and the name Dolcis appeared above the shop doors.

Dolcis went on to dominate the fashion scene throughout the 1950s with bold and statement footwear designs that the trends demanded. Film stars of the moment, Jean Simmons and Lana Morris were quick to get in on the action, featuring heavily on advertising campaigns to bring the brand even further into the mainstream

By 2007, Dolcis was represented on the high street with 65 stand alone stores in the UK. HELLO EMPIRE! 

Dolcis was relaunched for the spring/summer 2013 season, which marked the brands 150th anniversary. Today, the Dolcis brand continues to serve up stylish, cool and contemporary designs to appeal to style minded young women. Fashion forward, catwalk inspired styles are adopted each season, all incorporating trend relevant prints and intricate finishing touches to appeal to the avid follower of fashion.

Have you ever heard of it? Cause I hadn't. Once again proving the internet is a wonderous place and that one of its best traits is the capability to bring a far-away brand to people on another continent! 

Plus... SHOES. All of them. SWOON. Crushing hard on the striped pumps with polka dotted soles (they have the opposite as well). I'm fascinated by the Esme pumps (bottom right below) which look like they have kind of a sock in them but they look so different. Would you wear them? And as I've just recently discovered I like the slipper-style flat a lot, the studded ones are perfection. But the ones I want MOST? These shit-kicking boots with the shiny, silver toe. BRING IT. I want them, I need them, I gotta, gotta have 'em on my FEETS! 

Fashion Time Travel

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Oh this nnew online shop with its charming, vintage fashions and sassy, bold patterns. I think I'm in love.

Collectif began in 2000 in London as a mere stall at the Camden Market, but over the past 14 years, has grown to have four London based shops, and another boutique in Brighton. They design and make their own clothing, and specialize in 1940s and 1950s reproduction, pin-up style, and rockabilly pieces (Right about now, I can think of about 12 fashion bloggers whose ears just perked up but they don't know why). 

Versatility and originality pervades the fashion line's design philosophy and is perfect for those looking for something different.  They succeed at combining new fashion trends with classic Vintage styles, along with a good a splash of rock and roll! You can find complete outfits to accent pieces, suitable for in the office, day and evening wear, and each piece will let you develop your own sense of self expression.  

And oh yes, plus sizes are available. Not only that, but they vary the models on their site. You will find stick-thin ladies right beside curvy ones. A lovely display that made this girl's heart happy.

The website sets itself apart by offering contact information for shopping assistance -- a wonderful thing to do. 

Not just content to be a clothing shop, they sell a ton of amazing accessories to complete your vintage look. 

DEAR LORD I WANT ALL OF THE THINGS! 

And for fun, some tips I've picked up for vintage makeup... 

• Red, matte lipstick. Get it, girl.
• Don't pump your mascara brush -- that dries it out. Twist it instead.
• It's all about the cat eyeliner. 
• Full, rich eyebrows. 
• Pin curls and major hair product overnight. Brush it out in the morning for a retro do.

Dammit, Collectif. I was borin in the wrong decade. Thank you for existing.