150 / IN OUR SIZE: PHI FALL 2009

Lately I’ve gone on a bit of a faux fur shopping spree, adding three fur collars and another fur vest to my collection. However I found myself in a bit of a rut when it came to how to wear them. You can only wear a fur collar so many ways right? I started browsing nymag.com perusing through old collections for inspiration and Phi definitely popped out at me. Not only because it was all black but because I could immediately see myself recreating the looks for plus sizes. So I’ve taken 3 of my favorite looks from the collection and re-assembled them using only plus size clothing. I also threw a wildcard one in because I am determined to find a way to make a bodystocking look chic!

1. Mossimo Long Gloves 2. Merona Turtleneck 3. Black Belt 4. Faith21 Double Strap Jacket 5. H&M Black Fur Collar  6. Grey Skinny Trouser 7. Jeffrey Campbell Whip-2 Booties

1. Leather Jacket 2. 4-Chain Belt 3. Carmakoma Skirt 4. Black Tights 5. Quilted Gloves 6. Black Creepers

1. Black Leggings 2. Under-Bust Belt 3. H&M Black Fur Collar 4. Jeffrey Campbell Whip-2 Booties 5. 6. Cable Cardigan 7. Sweater Dress

1. Black Lace Bodystocking 2. Bike Short 3. Black Creepers 4. Leather Jacket 5. H&M Black Fur Collar 6. Quilted Black Gloves 7. 4-Chain Belt

When you’re in a rut fashion-wise, where do you look for inspiration? Bloggers? Magazines? Runway shows?




121/ MELODY EHSANI FALL 2009 COLLECTION

Back in April, I posted Melody Ehsani’s spring 2009 collection. She recently unveiled her new fall collection ‘Final Frontier’ and as usual there are pieces I’m definitely liking!

She says:

“This series for me was very much inspired by being my true self.

Interconnectedness, Intergalactic, Inter – related.

ONENESS

and the belief in looking back to Nature- the source – to reconnect with the Divine Design….remember who you are….and the belief that you can teleport to where you want to be as soon as you close your eyes to see…”

The good thing is that the rings go up to size 14! What do you guys think? Do you see anything that you like? I am leaning towards to the double-chain 3-finger ring as well as the triangle necklace plate.

She also posted a teaser image from her upcoming fall 09 shoe collection. All I can say is glittery strappy goodness!

(images from melodyehsani.com)




116 / JUST LAUNCHED: MONIF C FALL COLLECTION

A few weeks ago, I posted the fall 2009 collection of the Monif C Marilyn convertible dresses. Well today, the entire fall line launched and let me tell you, it’s quite fierce. This time, our model is none other than Fluvia Lacerda, who is one of my favorite models, plus or not. The styling of this shoot is giving me everything I need on this rainy Friday afternoon! The big hair, the cat eye makeup, the red lips, the perfectly tanned skin… perfection! Take a look at some of the photos below and tell me what you think!

I ALMOST love the sequin dress. If only it had more a bodycon fit, I’d be all over it. But the zipper trench, swoop dress and zebra dress are all mine! Are there any pieces that you like? Let me know in the comments!

ps. Be sure to check out Monif’s blog as well as her twitter for up-to-date information.




111 / EVANS AUTUMN CATALOG

This morning while routinely checking my email (one of favorite things to do!), I came across an e-blast from Evans advertising their new Autumn collection catalog. Remembering back in August, they had the “Evans Wishlist” campaign on Twitter, I was curious to see if any of the wishes had been incorporated into the new collection. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some things were. There’s studs, lots of sequins (yay!) and super cute dresses and jackets and coats. There’s also a selection of leggings and jeggings (jeans + leggings) as well as business wear for the professional set. You can view the entire catalog here.

I’ve selected a few of my favorite spreads from the catalog below. Let me know what you guys think! Is there anything you like?

While I would love more dresses and skirts, I definitely feel like they are going in the right direction. The fact that they are using social networking sites like Twitter to talk and interact directly with consumers to ask what they want and then actually producing it, is amazing! They have a leg up on a lot of other sites that are not doing the same.




088 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: ONE SHOULDER

I remember first indulging in this trend in high school. That was back when sports jerseys were made into dresses. Yes, I had a one-shouldered sports jersey dress. My fashions back then were sooo bad! Now that it has come back to the forefront of fashion, I actually really like the assymetric look on tops and dresses. There’s a sophistication about it that is quite interesting as evidenced by the clothes below.

Chic Star One-Shoulder Chiffon Goddess Dress | Chic Star One-Shpulder Slim Dress

Chic Star One shoulder Mini Dress | Chic Star One Shoulder Boho Maxi Dress

Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress | Chic Star Black One Shoulder Goddess Dress

ASOS One Shoulder Pleated Bubble Hem Top | ASOS One Sleeve Mesh Insert Dress

ASOS Circuit Board One Shoulder Dress | Jessica London One Shoulder Assymetric Dress

JIBRI Crinkled Knit One Shoulder Dress | JIBRI One Shoulder Evening Dress

The only thing I ask is that, if you join in on this trend, please be sure to be wearing the correct bra. No visible bra straps!




087 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: NEON, NEON, NEON!

Continuing with 80s throwback, here we have the re-emergence of everything neon. This is one of the only trends that I’ve noticed (maybe other than acidwash) that causes such a reaction. People either hate it or love it, no inbetween. I’m going to be honest, I am not the biggest fans of it (contrary to the neon coloring of the blog design ha!). Not because of any major reason, I just tend to always lean towards black, as evidenced by my outfit a few posts ago. Although after seeing Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors A/W09 shows, I just may change my mind.

Neon clothing and accessories have popped up in many stores and although people may perceive them to be too loud or too young, anyone can join in on this trend. Whether its something bold like a jacket or leggings or something more subdued like a clutch or bracelet, there’s something for everyone. Below are some items that you can use to turn up the volume on your wardrobe this fall.

Pinks/Magentas/Purples

Dorothy Perkins Pink Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Pink Fold Neck Lantern Dress

Alloy Balletneck Tunic | Dorothy Perkins Bodycon Dress

Faith21 Bold Floral Woven Dress | Dorothy Perkins Black Colour Block Dress

Tripp Pink Streak Zipper Twill Pant | Tripp Neon Purple Overdye Skinny Pant

Lip Service White Neon Splatter Pant | Tripp Neon Pink Overdye Pant

Alloy Hooded Babydoll Coat | Torrid Neon Pink Leggings

Alloy Cocoon Cardigan | Torrid Neon Violet Leggings

Dorothy Perkins Purple Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Quilted Stud Purse | Torrid Gem Ring | Torrid Chunky Link Necklace

Evans Cherise Belted Showerproof Mac | Torrid Pink Dreamcatcher Earrings | Torrid Oval Fuschia Gem Cocktail Ring | Torrid Silver & Neon Pink Round Stone Ring | Dorothy Perkins Pink Flouro Crossbody Bag

Turquoises

Dorothy Perkins Jade Bodycon Dress | | Topshop Precious High Shoe | Torrid Turquoise Spray Paint Bangle | Dorothy Perkins Jade Snakesin Quilted Bag

Alloy Short Hooded Peacoat | Alloy Teal Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Yellows/Limes

Dorothy Perkins Ochre Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Lime Long-Sleeve Cardigan

Tripp Neon Green Twill Pant | Dorothy Perkins Yellow Flouro Crossbody Bag | Dorothy Perkins Supersoft Lim Scarf | Topshop Larissa Velcro Strap Sandal | Dorothy Perkins Lime Hinge Belt




086 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: 80′S GRAPHIC LEGGINGS

Whether or not one is actually old enough to remember the 80s and all of its cheesy, yet amazing elements (‘85 baby checking in!) doesn’t matter. From the music to the fashion scene, everything is coming back slowly but surely. Fashion designers are bringing back all those horrific things (shoulder pads, neon, acidwash etc) modernizing them and making them must-have items this season.

This installment profiles my love of obnoxious 80s-inspired leggings. I am a bonafied lover of leggings because they can go from day to night with a quick change of accesories. I’m all about versatility in my wardrobe. Below are a selection of leggings that you can add to your wardrobe to add a bit of 80s nostalgia to your life.

Also keep in mind, leggings are made of very stretchy material. Don’t be afraid to try them on because a size large may just fit!

F21 Abstract Slated Leggings | F21 Groovy Tulip Leggings

F21 Abstract Letter Leggings | F21 Paint Splatter Leggings

F21 GeoShapes Leggings | F21 Ikat Granite Knit Leggings

F21 Cut Out Leggings | ASOS Slash Leggings

ASOS Domino Leggings | ASOS Knotted Slash Leggings

Beth Ditto for Evans Swirl Print Leggings | ASOS Denim Look Leggings

Evans Purple Foil Leggings | Evans Silver Foil Leggings

Old Navy Polka Dot Lace Trim Leggings | Torrid Purple & Neon Green Leopard Print Leggings

These leggings below literally made me gasp out loud. Bondage leggings? Why yes, yes please! In both colors, thanks!

ASOS Bondage Leggings




079 / ELENA MIRO FALL 2009

While we’re on the subject of plus size clothing on the runway, let’s talk about Elena Miro’s fall 2009 collection. Elena Miro is the only label to show at Milan Fashion Week that caters to the plus sized consumer.

“The Elena Miro Woman is trendy, dynamic and well-informed and has no intention of missing out on what fashion in offering in standard sizes.”

That perfectly describes myself and everyone that reads this blog. We are all Elena Miro Women. Its exciting that a label is out that has the same outlook about fashion as we do! While everything they produce isn’t my cup Of tea, its incredibly fashionable. The fall collection was a prime example of this. Using luxurious fabrics like chiffon, lace and satin, the collection was quite feminine and had a elegant sophistication about it. I could definitely see myself wearing it in the future when I’m out of my ‘all-black, studded and torn’ phase.

As well as a runway collection, this season Elena Miro is offering a Sport collection. Full of impeccably made basics like turtlenecks, riding pants, knits and accessories perfect for layering when the weather gets cold.

While browsing their site, I also noticed a catalog section which features looks not seen on the runway nor in the Sport collection. I’m not sure what collection these belong to but I’m loving the color story, especially those turquoise gloves!

Unfortunately they do not have a store in the US, so the chance to see the clothes in person are slim to none. However, the label is based in Italy so all my Italian readers are in luck! Also, if you find yourself in the UK, Harrod’s carries the line as well.

What do you guys think of Elena Miro?

(text and images from Elena Miro; Other images from Adversus.com)




074 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: KNEE/THIGH HIGH BOOTS

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One of the collections that stuck out in my mind from the a/w 09 fashion season was Rodarte. As always, the Mulleavy sisters blew me away with their intricate knit work and mix of feminine and masculine pieces. In addition, the boots. Oh man, the boots! In collaboration with Nicholas Kirkwood, Rodarte sent down thigh-high goodness wrapped up with straps and buckles of all kinds. Thigh-high boots were spotted everywhere from designers like Gareth Pugh, Emilio Pucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton.

Wanting to get in on this trend as a plus-sized lady can be pretty difficult. A lot of the super cute boots don’t have wide enough shafts to accommodate larger calves. Those that do, unfortunately aren’t always the cutest styles. However, all is not lost because I’ve done a bit of digging and uncovered a few styles that work for those of us with thicker legs. Not all are of the thigh-high height, some are of the knee-high and mid-calf variety as well.

Silhouettes Braided Trim Boots | Torrid Caramel Megan Western Boot

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Chinese Laundry Turbo Leather Wedge Boot (As modeled on Gabi)

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Torrid Brown Faux Suede Ashley Boot | Silhoette Pleated Boot

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Torrid Black Aunika Boot | Vanity Ultra-Wide Boots

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Evans Black Leather High Leg Boots | Vanity Thigh High Boots With Laces

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The Vanity Thigh Highs w/ laces are at the absolute top of my list this fall. They remind me of the Gareth Pugh ones minus the platform. What do you guys think? Will you give in to this trend?




071 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: BOYFRIEND-INSPIRED

Effortless chic perfectly describes the boyfriend-inspired trend, which is perfect for a girl like me, who often oversleeps and runs late for work everyday. I am the queen of throwing a cardigan on over anything and calling it a day. As someone who rarely wears jeans of any kind, I took the plunge a few months ago and purchased a pair of boyfriend jeans from Torrid. I admit, they did sit in my closet for 2-3 months before I actually wore them for the first time. Now they have become a staple in my summer wardrobe and will carry me into the colder months. Perfect with flats or platform heels, they are quite versatile.

This trend is all about comfort and nothing is more comfortable than an oversized men’s shirt. Last fall, I was buying up men’s plaid shirts left and right to wear over my short black dresses and skirts. This fall, I’m wearing them with graphic leggings, platform heels, and tons of accessories (inspired by Kate Lanphear).

Here are a few pieces that you can add to your wardrobe this fall to acheive this look.

Torrid Purple Cardigan | Torrid Sweater Vest Tunic

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Evans Boyfriend Cardigan | Alloy Boyfriend Cardigan

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Old Navy Womens’ Plus Weekend Jeans | Evans Roll Up Boyfriend Jeans

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Dorothy Perkins Sequin Boyfriend Blazer | Evans Grey Stripe Boyfriend Shirt

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Calvin Klein Gibson Boyfriend Jean | Dorothy Perkins Cobalt/Blue Dogtooth Blazer

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Dorothy Perkins Red Pointed Brogue shoes | Dorothy Perkins Black & White Checkered Men’s Shirt

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Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxfords | Candela NYC Spectator Oxford

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Torrid Rolled Cuff Boyfriend Jean | Torrid Boyfriend Blazer

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What do you guys think of this trend? Will you give in and purchase a few things?

Next up… Boots!