My Everyday Looks

       My Everyday look consists of simply fabrics and casual comfort.  I work everyday and have to dress up so on the weekends I like to throw on a comfy pair of capris, these are stretchy jean capris and a flowy shirt.  These are both from Lane Bryant and something I have had for a long time and I am sure are no longer available.  In the fall, I am almost always in a great pair of jeans and a hoodie or a long sleeve tshirt.  I am in love with comfort.

Every once in awhile I might throw in a more fitted piece of clothing or a dress to break up the monotony, but I love my look and no matter how you dress there is always a way to tie in a current trend or color that you are drawn too.  I am hearing the new color for fall is purple, I am not a fan usually but I have picked up a couple of shirts with purple accent prints that I actually love.  

 Proud to be a part of this blog collective where we all blog on the same topic.  Check us out at Ahead of the Curve and see everyone's Everyday Style.  

Happy Blogging,

Valerie xoxo
#prayforpeace

A Day to Night How To

 The Ahead of the Curve Bloggers are at it again, but this month we are exploring Day to Night options.  I am more of a day time gal and really don't have very many events where I would need a night time look.  I do love a challenge, so I thought an easy how-to look would be fun.  First off, the outfit details: the maxi dress is from Forever21, I am almost positive it is no longer there because I got it on clearance.  It is a 3x and fits me great, I wear it all the time.  The day time look includes a sleeveless jean jacket from Maurices in a size 4 (26/28).  I am also wearing a cobalt blue lace tank top from Lane Bryant which I wear a tank from them almost every single day.  

 Here comes the hair...I am definitely not a stylist and generally my hair looks way less than fabulous but for the day look I had someone curl it with a big barrel curling iron and added some dry shampoo for texture.  My hair is very, very thick so it holds curl very well anyways.  For the night time look I grabbed a headband from Maurices that matched the dress and simply tucked all my hair into the elastic part on the headband.  This is so simple and fool proof.  Viola, I have a night time look by taking off the jean jacket and adding a simple up-do with a headband.

 Check out all of the other monthly bloggers at Ahead of the Curve make sure to leave them some love.  Let me know what you think!!

Peace and Love,
Valerie

#prayforpeace

Sweet Summer Shades

 This month's blog theme is the cool palette pulling colors from nature and surroundings.  Honestly, I don't wear many colors in these ranges so it was something I stepped a little out of the comfort zone.  I naturally am very pale, (obviously) and these colors tend to blend in with my skin and hair color combination.  When I saw this dress, I instantly loved it and had to have it, even though I am not sure when I will wear it again. 

This is a cool mint/aqua blue green from Lane Bryant it is Item #221014.  It is still available and it is considered a skater style dress.  These dresses tend to look very flattering on any body type in my opinion.  This dress is a 22/24 and I usually wear a 28.  I would recommend sizing down in order to get the correct fit.  I paired it with a simple black lace cami and some jeweled sandals from Maurices and I couldn't find them on the website but they have similar ones available and so far they have worn pretty well for being a more reasonably priced shoe.

Here is an old picture of me that also has a very nature type vibe with a little rich tone of green.  I generally would wear something more in this range of jewel-tones opposed to a cooler lighter pastel tone.  This top is from Kiyonna and I know a variation of this top is still available but not sure about the color.

Every month Ahead of the Curve Bloggers picks a topic and shares several ways and takes on particular topics.  This month is it Nature's Palette and ways to wear the cool earthy, nature tones.  Follow us on social media in order to keep up and see what we do next.

Peace and Happiness,
xoxo
Valerie

Perfectly Pastel

   Perfectly Pastel is quite frankly scary to me.  I am not one to gravitate towards pastels at all.  However, my attempt to try it out ended in a fail because of a fitting issue even though I loved the outfit I ordered I did send it back because it was just the wrong fit all around. 

 I decided to find outfits I would love to get for the spring, and it starts with the one above.  If there is one pastel I love it is this teal blueish color of top with embellished gold detail from Swak Designs . 
 I think this is perfect with some wedges and a pair of jeans, I might even dress it up a bit with a pair of white jeans.



 I love this shirt from Kiyonna, so much I actually own it in the teal color.  I am not sure that I could pull off this yellow but I envision this being worn with a pair of darker jeans and some brown riding boots or for maybe an Easter/Spring dressy look with a pair of winter white dress slacks and some dress flats.  I actually could think of several ways to style this and I love this shirt so much in the teal I may just order it.  I will give a tip if anyone is going to go ahead and buy this that it does run small so keep that in mind when you are ordering.

Lastly, this amazing swing chiffon tank from Yours Clothing .  I am usually more of a fall/winter type of color scheme but I am LOVING all of the blush pinks and beigey neutrals that are coming out as pastel color and hot hues for spring.  This top has a hint of glitter/sequins to add a bit of romantic/boho chic to this top.  I would pair this more than likely with a pair of white skinny leg jeans and wedges or a pair of ballerina flats.  I think this would also look great under a nice tailored suit in beige, grey, or white.  This little number is a bit pricey and I don't really have any experience with this line of clothing but I am really considering ordering this top.

I can't wait for you to see all of the awesome looks the  Ahead of the Curve Bloggers 

have put together for this month which is the perfect pastels of Spring.  We are a monthly blog collective of plus size bloggers of all sizes coming together to blog about the same topics.  Please go check them out and show some love.

Love and Peace,
Valerie XOXO
#prayforpeace

For the Love of Lace

I absolutely love lace so when this topic was picked, I was extremely excited.  I found this see through black lace top and coral cami at Maurice's .  They carry a plus size line which has limited pieces (my opinion) from sizes 0 to 4.  I feel like the 4 fits anywhere from a 24 to a 28.  I am pretty much a true 28 so not all of their things fit me.  This lace shirt fits me amazing and I feel like this is a perfect outfit to wear out. Jeans and boots are from Lane Bryant .

 Love your body...

Love yourself....

 Repair and restore....
body positive movement...

#nohate

#nofilter

Love is simple..

You are beautiful as you are...

#bootyrevolution

 The Ahead of the Curve Bloggers are a monthly collaboration between several plus-size bloggers doing what they love talking about fashion, trends, and everything else in between.  Make sure to visit all of the bloggers and show them some love after all this month is the month of love, Ahead of the Curve Bloggers is the place to be.


XOXO,
Valerie
#love

Downtown Plaid

 It is not often when I find a trend that I love that is also on trend when I am wearing it,  I am usually a day late because it takes me a minute to really get into things.  But Plaid is something that has been around for years and occasionally slips in and out of the stores.  I have never ever been a fan of the plaid skirts but that is just my opinion some people pull them off beautifully, I am just not in that selective group.

 I saw these pants and initially loved them even though this style usually looks a little frumpy on me for some reason.  However, Lane Bryant needs to get it together, without turning this into a huge rant their sizing and cuts have been HORRIBLE this year.  These pants are the normal size I wear in dress pants and even though they do not look it, they are incredibly tight. I originally bought these Sophie Houndstooth from Lane Bryant but they would not even go up over my thighs, and after talking to the associates working they told me that they all tried them on and had to go up at the very least 2 whole sizes larger than they normally wear.  This is NOT ok in my opinion.  I am normally a huge Lane Bryant supporter but they are definitely not winning any awards from me this year. I am wearing head to toe Lane Bryant even though their sizing is really getting under my skin (end rant).

 So, to prove that houndstooth is everywhere and has been everywhere for ever, I have put this picture of the famous houndstooth hat worn by the University of Alabama coach during the games (Roll Tide, Roll).  I just love this hat and I may buy one this year since the trend is so on point. 

Infinity scarves and even the long straight scarves can add so much to an outfit, I found this while searching on etsy for something completely different but I just love the texture and look that a simple scarf can give any look.

I am seeing houndstooth everywhere even on the new holiday packaging from Bare Minerals added in a pop of red and houndstooth which is a look I absolutely love!

I'd love to hear from you and see what prints, trends and fashion you are loving right now...Let me know...Make sure you head on over to Ahead of the Curve and check out everyone from the collective of bloggers that we have and their take on Tartan, Tweed, and Houndstooth.

Peace and Love,
Valerie xoxo
#prayforpeace

Polka Dot Confessions

The fun thing about photography and when you try new things you 

don't always get the best results and even though these pictures

were kind of my idea, the angles and everything is all

wrong, in my opinion.  So, with that being said this months

blog collective is Polka Dots vs. Gingham.  I find that polka dots 

have been a true staple and showing up in trends for quite some time now.

I hate to say it even though I love a good polka dot, I am a little over it. 

 (um. who color matched that foundation? horrid.)

  

My outfit today is completely thrifted!! I know, I know, I am just as shocked as you all might be.  I love a good deal, let's clarify this right now but I never seem to find them, so this is rare.  I purchased the shirt from Fattoo for $12.00 not sure where it came from but it was a very roomy 3x.

The jeans I also purchased from Fattoo and they are the stiletto dot jeans from Torrid and I believe they are still available there in some sizes.  

I will say these jeans are super duper comfortable but a little on the short side..

Since this was a battle royale between dots and gingham, I tried to find something gingham and included the links of two items I purchased but had to return due to the fit.  I really wasn't in love with the pants

but I thought it would provide a nice work slack, check them out below.

Alwaysforme.com 

jjill.com 

The swimsuit I loved everything about it but they sent me the wrong

size and were out of stock in what I actually ordered. (double bummer)

The pants fit but it was all wrong and made me look frumpy and like my pants

were just way too short.

I am lucky enough to be included in a monthly blog collective with a great group of plus size girls who all have great blogs, please go check them out here  Ahead of the Curve Bloggers...feel free to leave comments and love for everyone!!!

Peace and Love,

Valerie XOXO

#prayforpeace

The right to "bare" arms..

         There has been many topics about what women should or should not wear.  I do follow some of the fashion "rules" so to speak but typically I wear what I feel comfortable in, disregarding any set "rules".  All of the time I hear women of all sizes say, I can't wear sleeveless my arms will show and they are big, flappy, bat winged, jiggly, etc, and I know that is a confidence/comfortability issue but if I am comfortable sleeveless then you should be okay with that.  All of that aside lets get to the fashion, it was super hard to choose but I went with this dress mainly because it is still available at Lane Bryant and I am confident that this dress would look amazing on a wide variety of shapes as well as the generous cut will allow bigger sizes to fit into a 28, in my opinion.

                          This dress makes me feel amazing, honestly, I am not sure why.  I bought it at Lane Bryant on a whim and it is very generously cut.  I normally wear a 28 and this is a 22 and I bet I could have got a 20 in this style.  It is everything I have been loving about spring/summer fashion nautical feel, navy and cream stripes, with darting in all the right places.  When I wear this dress, and I have 4 times since buying it, I feel good and that is what makes the difference.  I pair this with some gold jewelry from Lane Bryant and my favorite sandals from Target.  I have the "right to bare arms" do you?  

 Peace, Love, and Bare Arms,

Valerie xoxo

I am part of an awesome community of bloggers make sure you check them out here , and show some comment love.  This month we are all "baring" our summer stuff so check it out.  Also, make sure you like our Facebook page, follow on Instagram and Pinterest by searching Ahead of the Curve Bloggers.  Have a awesome July!!!

A Way To Save: Plus Size Budget Buys!!

 I am not a huge thrifter but I definitely love a good sale and very rarely do I buy clothing not on sale. However, in my area the thrifting and cool vintage type stores, I see other people talking about,  are non existent so I usually have to live through others and get extremely jealous at their finds especially in the vintage department.  I feel no matter where you shop online or in the stores there are many deals to be had by checking store codes, sales ads, current promotions, and asking for upcoming events.  I have also recently become a huge fan of the Cartwheel and Retail Me Not apps that have instant savings for many stores that I frequent. The best thing to do is to do some research.

This outfit that I chose to wear cost a total of $22 including shoes and jewelry which I felt was a steal.  The dress I bought at Ross in Houston, Texas for $10.00 it is a Cynthia Rowley in a 3x which is plenty roomy, almost too big.  The cardigan is an Old Navy find in their regular sizes xxl and it fits plenty big.  I bought this on clearance for $5.00 along with the cream cami for $3.00.  I bought these gold rope braided sandals (my favorite) at Target at the end of season two years ago for $4.00, they are amazing quality.  My jewelry came from Lane Bryant as a gift.

 

                                If you are looking for some great pictures in the Springfield, Illinois
                                        area please check out Kristi Mitchell Photography!!

I am lucky enough to be included in a monthly blog collective with a great group of plus size girls who all have great blogs, please go check them out here  Ahead of the Curve Bloggers...feel free to leave comments and love for everyone!!!


For the love of $avings,
Valerie xoxo

Floral Frenzy!!

Top from Lane Bryant

 The theme for this months blog collective is Garden Party or Pastels.  Neither of these two things are in the range of clothing that I wear but every since starting this blog I am really trying to broaden my horizons and step out of that comfort zone...And come to find out I really love a floral print, even though I don't have many prints I have recently started buying a few more things.. Here is a collection of what I am currently loving right now...

Add a pop of pastel with a scarf!

I am wearing a floral tank from Lane Bryant

 It never hurts to accessorize, try adding in pastels or floral prints with a bold scarf, nail, jewelry, or even a shoe this will get you used to the color if this is something that might intimidate you.

              

Accessorize with a pop of nail color!

I have noticed in my recent shopping trips that the major plus size stores that I frequent, Lane Bryant , Torrid , and Simply Be all have a wide variety of floral dresses, shirts, and accessories with a pop of pastel or floral in them.  Most of those sites plus a few others have been running great sales to get ready for summer, especially Lane Bryant, it seems like to me that their sales have been really good recently so why not save!!!

I am lucky enough to be included in a monthly blog collective with a great group of plus size girls who all have great blogs, please go check them out here Ahead of the Curve ...feel free to leave comments and love for everyone!!!









Love and Blessings,

Valerie xoxo

Radiant Chaos

      I absolutely love the color red, I especially love wearing the color red.  I am also extremely excited to talk about this outfit because we recently had a Torrid open up in the nearby mall, and I pretty much raided them around Christmas time for this look.  I have bought a few things from them online in the past but was semi reluctant just because I hate shipping things back.  This whole outfit I received for Christmas even though I picked it all out, I felt it was perfect for this topic. The dress is black with flocked velvet polka dots and I actually sized down because of the armholes, it is very roomy in my opinion.  I am wearing Torrid's size 3 in the dress and the cardigan.  As you can see it is winter here so I paired this lovely dress with a basic open cardigan from Torrid in this radiant red color.  If I am going to wear red it is definitely going to be this deep blood red because I feel it looks the best on my skin tone.   I am loving this skater dress trend, I feel like it is a shape that would look flattering on any body type.  I paired this outfit with some simple leggings from Wal-Mart in black, and my favorite black boots from Lane Bryant.  I will also note that I bought two pairs of tall boots this year from Lane Bryant and both were accommodating with extra room to my bigger calves. I know they are no longer available online but maybe some of the stores still have them.  I also made my sister do my hair in these gorgeous rosette type pin rolls just for something a little special.  I topped off my look by wearing the most amazing lip color I have found to date.  It is from NYX in the color Chaos, I bought this at Ulta for around $4.00 or less and it is so smooth.  I felt like I needed to mention this lipstick because I will be going back to get other colors, you cannot beat that price.  I will link below the items in case you want to see the different things on the models.   

                                                               Peace&Love,
                                                                   Valerie

 Flocked Polka Dot Dress
                                                                                       Drape Front Cardigan

Banner created by Elizabeth Tamny: http://www.elizabethtamny.com

 
We are a collective of plus size bloggers coming together to post on the same subject. This month we are sharing our take on “Red Hot Themes” so check them out by clicking on each link:

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Always Red Hot

My "Red Hot" Moment

Feeling the Love in Igigi Polka Dots

Red Hot Remake: Too-Tight Dress To Peplum Top

Fearless Fashion: Channeling My Inner Lady In Red

"Red Hot" Valentine's Day Look

Rouge Blouse

Red Hot Luxe: My Top Sexy, Fabulous, Gorgeous Valentine's Day Picks for the Plus Size Princess

 Red Color Love
Nuclear Red Hot Hair 

 You can find more information about Ahead of the Curve or our past topics here, http://www.aheadofthecurvebloggers.com or our Facebook page Ahead of the Curve.