196 / INSPIRATION: RAD HOURANI – IN OUR SIZE

(Before I forget to mention it, I’m doing a January fatshion recap post! So if you want to be a part of it, send your favorite outfits from January to christina@musingsofafatshionista.com! The deadline is February 2nd!)

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Lately I’ve been thinking about what I’ll be wearing when the warmer months arrive. I’m not a fan of spring and summer for the simple fact that I much prefer to dress in layers and that is hard to do while its 90 degrees outside. Last year, I was in a deep fashion rut because I couldn’t figure out a way to execute a ‘simplified’ version of me. I found it hard to be inspired by the amount of sundresses and gladiator flats I saw around me. Well now, I think I’ve figured it out!

Rad Hourani creates beautiful unisex pieces that can worn all year round. He perfects the art of draping which is something I’m extremely into right now. Because his color palette is mainly black and white, sometimes the amazing details get overlooked but there are perfect pieces that allow the wearer to stay cool throughout the hottest summer day while still looking cool. I love that the outfits look deceptively simple but draping and layering takes some effort, believe me.

When I came across his lookbooks over the weekend, I immediately set out to recreate the essence of them in plus sizes. Below the lookbooks are 20 or so items that are essential to the Rad Hourani ‘look’. It is mainly basics like slouchy tees, leggings, draped cardigans, shorts, long dresses, jeggings and vests which can all be worn together or over other items in your wardrobe. I’m actually really digging maxi dress-draped vest-work boots combo. For once, I’m looking forward to Spring!

Rad Hourani s/s 2008

Rad Hourani s/s 2009

Rad by Rad Hourani s/s 2010

1. Evans Rib-Front Cardigan 2. Evans Black Denim Leggings 3. Target Maxi Dress 4. Lane Bryant Cropped Blazer 5. Torrid Ripped Leggings 6. Torrid Asymmetric Tunic 7. effrey Campbell All Stud Boots 8. Evans Grey Leather Ankle Boots 9. TUK Black Creepers 10. Torrid Sleeveless Belted Romper 11. Evans Sheer Knee-Highs 12. Givenchy Ankle Boots 13. Urban Revisions Shredded Tee 14. Carmakoma Frame Dress 15. Black Milk Sheer Spartans 16. Carmakoma Code 2-in-1 dress 17. Jeffrey Campbell Xenon Wedges 18. Torrid 2-Finger Ring 19. Carmakoma Lady Dress 20. Torrid Double Wing Ring 21. Torrid Wing Ring 22. Stretch is Comfort Shorts

What are your wardrobe staples during the hotter months? How do you balance staying cool while looking hot? I need tips, let me know!




157 / IN OUR SIZE: RIHANNA’S KNITTED DRESS

I’m not one that looks to celebrities for fashion inspiration but when I saw this candid photo of Rihanna wearing this multi-color knit dress, it was instant love. It was reminiscent of a similar jumper/dress I saw on Evans site. Seeing s how lately I’ve been obsessed with everything knitted. H&M’s current collection, which the above dress is a part of, is like pure heaven, there’s tons of chunky knit cardigans, scarves, gloves and more! I love this jumper/dress and would love to pair it with some teal/turquoise tights and boots. I should’ve added it to the order I placed yesterday but it totally slipped my mind!

Does anyone already have this from Evans? Let me know how it is!

ps. There’s a 15% off Evans code on the Musings Facebook page. Be sure to become a fan to stay up-to-date with coupons and more!

pps. The knit jumper was on the site yesterday but it seems to be gone today. *sigh*




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 CollarĀ  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?




109 / IN OUR SIZE: BALMAIN SEQUIN SKIRT

In the words of Rachel Zoe, I love a good sequin. I absolutely believe that one could never wear enough. So as I was reading Black Anesthesia, I noticed this unbelievable blue sequin skirt (above) and immediately wanted it. Come to find out, its almost a dead ringer for a Balmain skirt that retails for almost $8000! Sorry Mr. Decarnin but I’m almost positive that’s out of my budget. I will happily pay $85 for the Michael Brambila version instead.




080 / IN OUR SIZE: STUDDED DENIM JACKET

It has been a while since the last installment of ‘In Our Size’ so it was perfect timing when I received a news eblast from Topshop advertising their a/w lookbook. When I saw the image that was included in the eblast, I immediately thought ‘hey, that looks familiar.’ After jogging my memory for a while, I realized that I had seen a similar jacket on City Chic’s website.

Unfortunately the Topshop version has yet to appear on their site so I can’t compare prices but the City Chic version retails for $105. I think the jacket is really cute but since I’ve heard mixed reviews about the quality of City Chic clothing, I won’t be indulging in this until a sale is going on.

(images from topshop & city chic)




038 / in our size – mesh bandeau dress

There are a couple of new weekly franchises that I’ll be rolling out in the coming week. First is Fatspiration Fridays. This is not to be confused or linked with thinspiration/pro-ana sites and the like. It is instead, a weekly post of beautiful fat bodies to help inspire others in their fat acceptance journey. Some of you may be familiar with the fledging tumblrs that use the same idea such as fuck yeah death fatties! and hey fat chick. I am a definite fan of them and the body positive imagery they post so I wanted to incorporate that into this blog.

The second franchise is In Our Size. In this franchise I will highlight plus sized alternatives to clothing found in straight sized stores. Also, I would like to incorporate you all in the franchise as well. If you come across an outfit you like, I will be happy to see if I can replicate it for plus sizes. Just send me an email at MusingsOfAFatshionista [at] gmail.com with the attached outfit image and I’ll post my findings on the blog!

For the inaugural In Our Size post, we have the Mesh Bandeau Dress. Most recently made popular by American Apparel and now being seen all over the blogosphere and magazine summer must-have lists. While browsing Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too! I noticed that Evans recently jumped on board and produced this plus sized version. I, for one, am IN LOVE. I know I say it a lot but I really really like this dress/tunic. The fact that the mesh part is at the top makes it a little more sexy while still being modest. It’ll make a perfect addition to my expanding summer wardrobe. What do you guys think?

1. Americal Apparel Sweetheart Two-Toned Mini Dress ($46)

2. Topshop Stripe Mesh Top Jersey Dress ($80)

3. Evans Colour Block Mesh Top ($41)

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