12 Days of Holiday: New Year's Eve Sparkle

I'm not sure what I'll be wearing for New Year's Eve yet, but this is one outfit idea.

Skirt:  Forever 21+ (Similar here)
Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)

I love the mix of metallics, and I'm a sucker for sparkle.

I'm absolutely loving this faux leather envelope skirt from Forever 21+.  

Tank:  Gap (old)

Tights:  The Limited (Available here)

Unfortunately, it's a little too big and longer than I'd like it to be, so I'm not sure it's a keeper.  Some items can be easily altered, but this skirt may be more trouble and costly than it's worth.  On bottom, I am typically a 10-12 in misses/straight sizing.  Being bigger on top, blouses, sweaters, and dresses from F21 usually fit great.  The junior plus-size fit gives me perfect proportions in those items. 

Bracelets:  LOFT (Available here, here, and here)

This is my first attempt at buying a bottom from the store, and I am wondering if their bottoms fit more like traditional plus-size 12 vs. straight size 12.  I can only get F21+ on-line, and I don't want to keep attempting buying skirts or pants if they are very unlikely to fit. Anyone know how the sizing of bottoms generally compares to straight sizing?

Clutch:  The Limited
Boots:  Fergaliciious by Fergie (Available here)

Will you be wearing sparkle this New Year's?

For this blazer in another look, see here.
For this top in another look, see here.

Cassential Links, 10/22/13

This layered mixed print look is so sweet and cute but still manages to look grown-up!

While the relationship between food intake and body size vary for individual women somewhat, in general, the amount of food consumed by many actresses on TV and in movies is incongruous with their body shapes.  The media has worked to perpetuate a myth of the "eating actress"

Love Jennifer Lawrence for so many reasons, but I really appreciate that she is open about the insane standards placed on Hollywood actresses!

These brave women are speaking out to help break the stigma of sexual assault victims.

Cheryl manages to look both ultra sexy and ultra classy in this chic black dress!

Wondering if a Wonder Woman movie will EVER get made....

I always hated the term "nude" to refer to shades of beige and champagne.  While not an attainable shoe for many of us, it's nice to see that designers, like Christian Louboutin, are more cognizant of the racism in something as seemingly benign as color naming AND actually offering flesh-tone shoes for a larger variety of women.

I recently discovered Kiah and her wonderful blog, "From the Rez to the City."  Love Kiah's fierce style!

Melissa McCarthy's recent "Elle" cover sparks controversy for the continued censoring and differential treatment of those few plus-size celebs who get featured on mainstream fashion mags.  For the record, she reportedly picked the outfit she wore on the cover (and she looks gorg!)

Cassential Links, 10/5/13

So sorry I've missed Cassential Links over the last couple weeks!  Enjoy!


Wendy looks stunning in this colorblock dress!

An all-black outfit and a killer statement necklace?  Sold!

A project designed to fight unrealistic body expectations after pregnancyI have (and adore) this blazer in black and initially had it in pink but changed my mind.  These ladies (here and here) have me wishing I had both! 

As an attendee at St. Louis Fashion Week events, I was interested in this perspective.

Best moment of Fashion Month?  Rick Owens shows that clothes SHOULD be shown on diverse bodies in movement!

Love the ease and sexiness of this casual outfit.  Pops of neon yellow are just the whip cream on this versatile look.

Has Barbie been replaced?


Nobody nails retro chic quite like Kaelah Bee! 

Speaking of retro, Ashley Rose's classic looks and amazing curves are pin-up gorgeous in this burgundy dress!

Keep or Return?

Dress:  Torrid (Available here)

Clutch:  The Limited

I bought this dress at Torrid not too long ago, but I'm pretty sure that I am going to return it.  

Necklace:  Target (No longer available on-line; see here)

Shoes:  Target (Available in other colors here)

I love the retro shape of it, but I'm not sure I'm in totally in love with this floral print.  I'm also not sure the strapless fit works for me in this particular dress.  If I keep it, I would get it hemmed an inch or two to fit right above or at the knee rather than below the knee.

Bracelets:  Express; Target

I had fun taking pics in this dress, but I just don't see it as being a mainstay in my wardrobe.

What do you think - keep or return?

V-Day Lingerie Picks!

I LOVE love, so even though Valentine's Day is completely overcommercialized, I can't help but get a little excited about a day centered around love and romance.

On occasion, it's nice to put away the oversized t-shirts I usually wear to bed and put on something lacy, frilly, or just outright sexy.  Whether you are single or have a significant other this Valentine's Day, wearing something pretty to bed can make you feel special.

If you're into girly, pretty lingerie,  I am loving these picks:

Cacique chiffon and lace babydoll

Cacique high low babydoll

Corsets are classic and always super sexy (Hel-loooooooo hourglass!!!)  Today's corsets are thankfully much more comfortable than those worn by our Victorian sisters.  While I couldn't imagine having to wear one everyday, they are definitely fun on occasion.

Frederick's of Hollywood is more size-friendly than Victoria's Secret and has an excellent selection of lingerie for all tastes and body types. They have some fantastic corsets.

 Frederick's Hollywood Dream halter corset

Frederick's Leopard Illusion Corset

This leopard print corset is so gorgeous!!  So classic bombshell!  

If you're looking for something simple, classic, and sexy, this black and ivory satin babydoll and matching tap pants is a great pick!

Frederick's Satin lace split babydoll

More favorites:

Cacique satin lace plunge bra

Cacique satin lace garter skirt

If you prefer something more covered, this white gown is quite elegant:

In Bloom by Jonquil long gown

FYI:  Frederick's of Hollywood is having an extra 40% off clearance sale and free shipping upgrades until noon tomorrow. 

Lane Bryant is offering 40% off Cacique purchases of $150 or 50% off Cacique purchases of $250 or more.
 

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!