Plus Size Statement Coat + Mom Jeans + White Booties
Nobody: Hey Thamarr! The 80’s called and they want their outfit back.
Me: No.
I can’t get over the fact that this is probably a look my mom wore when I was kid and here I am rocking it in almost 2020.
We all know the power of a statement coat i.e. the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge. They have looking fierce in a coat down to an art.
‘Tis the season of plaid and it can be overly done and repetitive but this one has fresh take on the beloved pattern. It’s clean and sharp and the perfect centerpiece of this look.
I’m not usually a turtleneck kind over girl but this one is perfect if you’re like me and feel claustrophobic. It’s not too bulky and is a great knit for layering or wearing alone.
My mom jeans have easily become my most worn item of the season. I just absolutely love the fit of these. Make sure to size up because they are true denim with no stretch.
Last but not least my white booties!
Okay, at first I thought these booties only looked good on other people. I would see them trending everywhere from on the ‘gram to magazines but thought there is no way I could pull it off.
This look proves not to sell yourself short and always give something a try even just to figure out that something doesn’t work. You just never know what might!
Check me out rocking this trend minus looking like PeeWee Herman.
Love this casual look and don’t be surprised to see these pieces on rotation the rest of the season. I like to wear my clothes and that’s that.
One of my favorite go-to places for reliable plus size shopping is Nordstrom.
I get asked on multiple times a day the “Where can I…” questions.
Where can I find a formal gown?
Where can I found good shape wear?
Where can I find the perfect date night outfit?
More often then not I will suggest heading straight to Nordstrom because you can literally find everything that you’re looking for and then some.
I have been a self proclaimed Nordy’s girl not only because they carry all of my favorite brands (Eloquii, City Chic, Leith and Reformation to name just a few) in one spot but they have the best customer service too.
It’s tough out here for a fat girl that loves fashion and Nordstrom just happens to be one of those reliable resources that never lets me down.
Picked up this work appropriate, party appropriate and all around fun, femme, floral black and white two piece (who doesn’t love a two piece) look from their newest arrivals from the Gibson x Hi Sugar Plum Collection.
Whether you are looking something for a special occasion, office attire or the perfect date night outfit — I rounded up my faves below now available at Nordy’s!
Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen Collection: How They Listened to the Neglected Plus Size Consumer
It’s always reaffirming and really quite amazing when you can use your voice to elicit change and something actually happens.
I’ve been blogging about plus size fashion, the joys and struggles for almost 7 years and I’ve been a fat girl for more than 30.
So, you can say that I’m an expert at plus size consumer relations. I’ve been a neglected often ostracized fashion consumer my entire life.
But I’ve made due. I had too.
Making the best with what I’ve been given is the norm. Saying “I wish they made this I’m my size,” is the norm.
I wish it wasn’t.
I wish I could say that all my 10 year-old fat girl fashion problems were a thing of the past but it isn’t.
Don’t get me wrong, in the last 15 years, plus size fashion has made some amazing strides in offering high quality, stylish fashion and changing the culture.
We now have Eloquii dropping a new collection almost every week. There’s the CurvyCon. We have dozens of fat women strutting around during NYFW! It’s awesome but with anything there’s always room for improvement.
Lately it seemed that many straight sized brands were catching on, albeit, very very late but hey, progress is progress.
The idea of size inclusivity, diversity, and visibility has been a pretty popular trend lately. For a while it seemed that every single brand I wished I could shop in high school and college were now debuting an extended range or plus sizes for the first time.
But as an expert of being a fat fashion consumer I can tell when it’s the real deal or a brand is jumping on the trendy bandwagon and wants to appear as if they are truly about the cause.
Casein point is Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen Nordstrom collaboration. Before I delve in let me just preface that I’m a really big fan of Blair Eadie Bee. Her style is unmatched. She’s the ultimate femme maxamist and all of her outfits are goals. She was literally one the first outfits I ever pinned on Pinterest!
She’s the ultimate business woman and works really hard on her brand. So when she announced that she was launching her first clothing collaboration with Halogen (a brand that had already established offering extended sizes) I was beyond excited!
The collection featured her in the ultimate Blair outfit: a blush pink blouse with velvet bows and a pink tulle ruffled tiered skirt. Blair herself said these were some of her favorite pieces in the collection and it was one of the main outfits featured in her campaign. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
The collaboration had all the necessary elements: blush pink, a popular stylish influencer, a trusted big name brand and the claim of size inclusivity.
I stayed up to purchase the bow blouse and tulle skirt to only be disappointed. This outfit was basically the face of the campaign and it wouldn’t be available in the extended range.
I felt bamboozled.
I felt like the campaign was capitalizing on the idea of being size inclusive but in reality wasn’t offering the main pieces featured in campaign for everyone.
Once again there I was making due with what was offered to me. I was going to buy what I could from the collection that was in my size but had a change of heart.
That’s not the shopping experience anyone should have regardless of their size. We should be thought of and not an after thought.
I wasn’t going to but I expressed my feelings with a comment on Blair’s IG posts about the campaign and too my surprise I wasn’t the only one. Other bloggers and fans of hers that found themselves in my position – being excluded from a shopping experience because of size, shared their frustrations too.
The way Blair and the Halogen team responded was pretty amazing. They listened to us. They took what we said and put it into action right away. Instead of ignoring the complaints of what may seem like a small group of consumers they instituted change in the very next drop.
Atlantic Pacific x Halogen re-released the most popular piece from the first collection in dress form and included more sizes. Not only did it sell out within days but it re-tells the long told story that fat bodies love fashion and are willing to pay for it.
So kudos to Blair and Halogen for doing what most brand collaborations don’t – listening to a neglected demographic and recognizing the body inclusivity and diversity isn’t just a trend — it represent the lives of so many.
Hopefully this isn’t just a isolated incident and other brand collaborations will follow suit. I’m a fan of brands that genuinely champion for size inclusivity and diversity. Choosing where I spend my dollars makes a difference. The fat fashion consumer has more power than they might think.
People are ready for pumpkin spiced lattes, apple picking and all the Fall-scented candles; but living in Florida I am reminded every day that summer is here to stay – for several more months anyway.
But you know what else is right around the corner?
Winter Getaways!
This look would be perfect on an island vacation with a piña colada in hand. So yes, Fall is on the minds of most of the nation guess what? Seasonal depression is a real thing people and you’re going to want to get some vitamin D.
Just make sure to bookmark this post so you can come back to when you’re itching for a warm weather destination!
I’ve rounded up some of the cutest vacation-wear that are perfect for your cold winter get away.
I’m a big believer that modest fashion can be stylish and dare I say, sexy.
My goal in writing this post is not to make anyone who disagrees with me feel bad about their choices of dress but instead to start the conversation of challenging the idea of what is sexy or beautiful by simply being true to yourself even if that means baring no midriff or cleavage.
To be honest, over the years I felt the pressure to wear daring styles that showed more skin than I’m comfortable with.
You have to remember I was 23 when I started blogging. I wanted my outfits to make an impression so of course there are some cringe worthy OOTD posts if you scroll back far enough.
Personal style changes and evolves (thank goodness) and although I don’t regret anything that I have shared on this platform I am definitely more confident in my choices of not baring more than what I feel comfortable with.
So even though I am more of a modest style influencer that doesn’t mean I don’t feel sexy in what I’m wearing.
Sexiness to me is a spectrum that includes Rihanna and Audrey Hepburn. I can appreciate both but I personally am more of an Audrey than a Rihanna.
Instead of letting others decide what sexiness looks like or even allow societal standards pressure me to feel like I’m an old fashioned prude — I’ve come to totally embrace my personal views of modest dress and sexiness. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.
Case in point, this outfit.
I felt incredibly sexy in this look.
Although it might not be anything remarkable or overtly sexy per the standards of others, it was the soft flow of the fabric. The delicate cut of the neckline that showed off my sun-kissed skin that made me feel so amazing in this outfit.
That’s what your fashion choices should do for you; they should make you feel good, confident and sexy. Never posing to be something that you’re not.
So whether you’re more of an Audrey or if you’re a Rihanna; you should be saying the same thing to yourself when you get dressed: I look so darn good in this!
For this week’s Friday Favorites I’ve rounded up my fave pieces from the collection that is now available to purchase on Nordstrom.com
The collection is available is XSP to 3X and was created to mix and match. I created a lookbook to give you some ideas now available to watch on my IGTV. Make sure to follow me along on Instagram and YouTube to never miss a curvy lady upload.
We’ve finally have come to my absolute favorite season of the year because everything is in bloom. Spring brings warmer weather, longer days and the perfect opportunity to try new fashion!
I love everyone’s individual pieces and it makes the collection so fun a whole. One of my ultimate fave tops is the Roselyn Ruffle Detail Blouse. It’s super feminine and romantic and had plenty of ruffles to keep this femme happy.
It’s available in Petite, Regular and Plus. So all of you ladies have an opportunity to rock this lovely blouse and the rest of the collection just in time for Spring!
Have you shopped the Gibson x IWD Collection yet? Some items have been restocked so keep checking if they are back because if they are they won’t be for long.
Launch Day! Shop the Gibson x International Women’s Day Collection
It’s finally here! The Gibson x International Women’s Day Collection is officially live and you can now shop my skirt and top on Nordstrom.com! How crazy is that!
The message behind this collection is so important to me. Not only did I have a part in designing pieces that I hope women of all shapes and sizes enjoy but it was a chance to be seen on a major platform.
Visibility of what different women look like is crucial because it reflects our reality.
I know when I was younger seeing someone that looked like me would have been so amazing. I hope all women can see that they posses their own super powers just by living life authentically themselves.
I’m so very happy to be a part of this collaboration! Thanks to Gibson and Nordstrom for allowing me to add my own little sparkle to it. Okay so here is all you need to know about how to shop the collection.
NEED TO KNOW
The collection is LIVE and available to shop Friday March 8th at 7AM EST on Nordstrom.com
The collection is made of up 16 different styles with a total of 36 pieces in different prints and colors.
Sizes range from XXSP – 3X
Sizes run a little big so you may want to size down.
In these photos I’m wearing a 3X in my tops and skirts.
FAQs + 36 Hours in Seattle with Gibson and Nordstrom
If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed a couple weeks ago I took a trip to the PNW to meet with the Gibson and Nordstrom teams ahead of the International Women’s Day Collection Launch.
It was really important for the Suzie Turner, the founder of Gibson, to have all 9 influencers meet one another and have us do a photoshoot wearing our namesake pieces for Nordstrom’s site.
I’m still geeking over the fact that this happened and that my face will be on Nordstrom’s website!
Bonkers.
Unfortunately, not all of us could make it to Seattle but a majority of us did and I have to say it really did make this collaboration more meaningful and genuine. Getting to know the other influencers was an awesome way to learn why Gibson wanted such a diverse group of women to come together.
I have to admit I was sooooo nervous about the entire weekend.
REASONS I WAS SOOOOO NERVOUS
I was flying literally across the country. I’m not a good flyer.
I was meeting 6 other amazing boss babes that are powerhouses in their own right. I always get nervous meeting other influencers but I would soon learn I had no reason to be.
I was meeting not only Suzie but her team and the entire Nordstrom Women’s Purchasing Team. Talk about overwhelming.
Having to do a photoshoot without the comforts of home like my go to photographer.
I’m not one to let nerves stop me from having an experience of a lifetime. So I put on a brave face and fake it till I make it.
Watch my Gibson Takeover on their IG Story Highlights. You can watch some of my time in Seattle there.
I also filmed a vlog of my time too and you can watch it on launch day – One more sleep away!
Meeting the other influencers and Suzie Turner, Founder of Gibson Look
Interviews with the Gibson Team
Walking over to Nordstrom HQ to meet the team!
Meeting Mary Beth Gaffney, Women’s Buyer for Nordstrom and Nordstrom’s HQ!
Nordy Girls Selfie Time: I was super shocked that they wanted to get a selfie with me for a coworker that couldn’t make it to the meeting.
If you’ve been personally victimized by winter please raise your hand. 🙋🏾♀️🙋🏿♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏼♀️🙋🏻♀️
I don’t know about you but I’m so over wearing layers of clothing and I’m ready to bare some skin in cute tops, skirts and dresses. How about you?!
The new pieces from the Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection are just what the doctor order if you’re in need of Vitamin Sea and Sun.
The entire line is perfect if you’re planning an island getaway or if you’re like me and just need a new ‘fit for a weekend of play in the Sunshine State.
I wore my new Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection Santa Fe Rickrack Off the Shoulder Top over the weekend and it was the perfect piece to check out the new mobile sangria truck in town.
If I can’t be Tulum I can fake it, right?!
Even thought I was stateside it was a bubbly fiesta and I happened to be dressed appropriately for the fun and festive drinks.
The collection has a pretty inclusive size range from XS to 3X. I’m wearing a 2X in my top but would opt for a larger size if I were to pair it with jeans.
Are you going to be shopping this Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection? Where are you planning on wearing your pieces to!?
I’m a little late getting last week’s Friday Favorites up but here it is anyway.
You ladies don’t mind, right?!
I’ve been in a funk creatively and haven’t felt motivated but creating shopping guides like this help bring the magic and inspo back.
These items are on sale too so make sure you at fast before they’re gone!
I love the velvet trend this season and found items to incorporate the trend in practical yet stylish ways like pumps and tops plus some other warm weather items that are sure to brighten up your winter wardrobe.
This week’s Friday Favorites features lots of casual pieces and accessories that help elevate a look. I’m loving a graphic tee with flared jeans paired with heeled mules for a 70s inspired look. Continue reading “Friday Favorites”
With Labor Day Weekend here we can all mourn the end of summer but we can totally celebrate the fact that so many stores are having killer sales. I’ve rounded up a complete list with all the codes you need to save on skincare, beauty, fashion and home. Let’s get to it, shall we! Continue reading “Beauty Steals + Labor Day Sales”
Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation!
The 
SHOP THE ENTIRE GIBSON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY COLLECTION
Walking over to Nordstrom HQ to meet the team!
