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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Let's SIMPLY BE...fabulous

Fall is rapidly approaching and I am on the hunt for great new items to add to my ever growing wardrobe. Shopping online has become part of my life since I began blogging. And what I love the most is being introduced to exciting and fierce online stores for plus size women. As much I do like being able to walk into a store and buy clothes, there is nothing like the feeling you get when the package that you ordered finally arrives at your doorstep. I'm always looking for new places to shop. Because I love variety. With that being said there is a new site that has really caught my attention by the name of Simply Be.
Now Simply Be is not new, but some women haven't had the opportunity to shop with Simply Be. If you haven't checked it out, you definitely should. It is very easy to navigate, and find things on the site. The site gives me life!

So who is Simply Be you ask...
Simply Be is one of the leaders in UK plus size fashion, giving curvy women the opportunity to indulge in stylish and trendy clothing that fits properly. Now we have the ambition to succeed in the US market bringing all of our trendy and fabulous clothes, gorgeous accessories, curve-embracing intimates and stunning footwear to you.
Simply Be

PAUSE!!! CAN I TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THE FASHION IN THE UK?!?!

Simply Be offers a great selection of tops, skirts, jeans, outerwear and accessories at affordable prices in sizes ranging from 10-28. (you know me, being fabulous has nothing to do with the number on your clothes tag.) As a plus size woman I still like to look and feel good in my clothing. I like to feel a part of the fashion world. And in my opinion Simply Be is right up my alley. And if you've been following the blog you know I did a post on the hardship of finding shoes for size 9 and up. Simply Be did not disappoint.
At Simple Be we believe in having the best of both worlds- which means fashionable footwear that fits and feels comfy too. From gorgeous wide fitting boots to all the latest shoe shapes, we can satisfy your shoe cravings
Simply Be

And to be perfectly honest, I already have my wish list that's about 20 items deep lol (#dontjudgeme) NO more ugly floral shirts and jeans with ugly elastic waistbands. Simply Be is ready to take you from the office with its great selection of suits, to a fun and flirty night out with the girls or a relaxing weekend. Unlike other plus size stores Simply Be reaches an entire spectrum of women; from the 20 year old women to her mother!
And for the win they offer Free Shipping and Returns #win!

Check out some of the things on my wishlist...
Viva La Diva Lace Up Wedges

 Tribal Print Maxi Dress

Snake Print Palazzo Pants

Simply put every woman can be SimplyBe...


xoxo

Monday, September 26, 2011

I miss you all

Ok you all, I know Ive been awol for a few days. My laptop charger died on me on Friday. And and at the time I didn't have the cash to shell out $50 for a charger. I have lots to share with you all. I know some of you have been asking to see pictures of my F*ck Flattering crop top (which was a hit btw). I will do a post for you all.

I promise I will be back to posting.

Love you guys
XOXO
Shay

Thursday, September 22, 2011

F*CK FLATTERING

Yes, yes, yes, ladies you read the title correctly. I just received  a new crop top and its says F*ck Flattering. It is from the collection of plus size Australian designer and blogger Gisela Ramirez. I've been following her blog and the evolution of her clothing line for quite some time. When I say she gives me life...honey! THE GIRL GIVES ME LIFE!!! LOL I'm so serious.



Her tumblr is on of the reasons why I began to blog and she really is an advocate for positive body image and confidence. She is all about loving yourself. And her style is right up my alley. She lets you know that you dress yourself and your body to feel good about yourself. And not to please others. Hints the phrase F*ck Flattering. Wear what you love and feel good in. Not what the world expects you to wear.
She gave me courage to start wearing crop tops, ya'll know I love me a crop top. I'm planning a trip to Australia in a couple of years, if I go, I'm definitely looking her up.


Now I know for some people the idea of walking around with F*ck Flattering across their chest is a little too much. And I know when I wear this shirt I'm probably gonna get a lot of stares and maybe some snickers or people will be talking about me behind my back. But hey I've been getting that all my life so that's nothing new for me. OH WELL LOL.

If I had the money I would buy so many other things from her line cause they are truly amazing. I was quite excited when I ordered the shirt because 1. it was coming from Australia and 2. I'm supporting one of my favorite bloggers. I'm telling you, you should've seen my face when I got the package. I was giddy (don't judge me ya'll lol) and I applaud Gisela for the timely shipping. I literally got my shirt in one week. and that's one thing I look for in online companies/designers.



 So if you have a chance be sure to check out her tumblr and her clothing line you will not be disappointed I promise you.
Ain't she pretty?

*all photos courtesy of Gisela's tumblr and clothing website*


xoxo

Monday, September 19, 2011

Curvy Women work the Emmy's

Gloria Devine Amber Riley and Melissa McCarthy did us proud at the 2011 63rd Emmy Awards on Sept. 18th. The fashion was great and congratulations to Melissa McCarthy for winning best comedy actress! All three young women looked fabulous and were able to hold their own the red carpet. What I love about the Emmy's as a home view is seeing the celebrities walk the red carpet: polished, clean and elegant. I love to see the gowns from designers like Armani Prive, Monique Lluillier, Zac Posen and the list goes on.


The representation of plus size/curvy women continues to grow. But when I see women like these three hold their heads up high, and just exude confidence it does my heart good. They are honored for their work in television and film and not for their weight #love





Saturday, September 17, 2011

OOTD; On the way to the Mall

I normally don't do OOTD's but I was kinda feelin this outfit. Its really simple, but you know what they say, less is more! And I have been waiting to wear this blazer I got from Torrid. When I saw it own the rack I just had to have...and it was on SALE!!! A girl loves a good sale. I was finally off from work, and my mom wanted to make a trip to the mall, so I took that opportunity to get dressed.

Blazer- Torrid
Top- Dots
Skinny jeans- Forever21
shoes- Payless
bag- H&M

I didn't buy much at the mall but i did get a super cute shirt from bloomingdale's which I LOVE! you will see it a little later this week. and I got the really cute belt from Catherine's. For those who don't know Catherine's is an extend plus size store it goes up to size 5x. I usually don't shop in there, but my mom need to go there and the belt i got was only $2.69 YUP!! I'm thinking of outfits for it already.








Wednesday, September 14, 2011

New MTV series; Chelsea Settles | Trailer

I'm not sure just how I feel about this show just yet. I probably will have to actually give the show a chance. The one thing I'm worried about is that MTV is further perpetuating the plus size stereotype. you know the one; we're big, plus size, pretty face, have ambitions and aspirations, but we have low self esteem and think we aren't worth anything. REALLY!?!?!?

Can we get a girl trying to reach her goals with confidence. Where we don't have to watch a sob story about a plus size girl who hasn't found ways to love her self? Mtv I applaud you for taking a risk and stepping out on faith by doing a show about a plus size girl, but I'm mean really, way to set use back another 20 yrs.

Ladies what do you think of the trailer?

xoxo

Chelsea Settles | Trailer: Chelsea Settles is a new kind of heroine. Series premiere Tuesday, October 11, at 11/10c.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

IFB Conference Cont'd

I know my last few post have been all about the IFBcon. That's cause it really was great day an a lot took place. For me at least. The one thing I was looking forward to was meeting other bloggers. Sometimes I feel alone behind my computer, because most of my friends don't blog, or if they do, they aren't into fashion blogging. So to be in a room full awesome people that have the same passion for fashion and blogging, really was inspiring.

So i dedicate this post to the lovely women I met at the conference. I really hope you all check out their blogs and follow, you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Alissa from Stylish Curves

Naja from Naja Diamond

Nikia from ChiTown Fashionista

Gdanielle from Fashion Love Affairs

Vivi from Heart Print and Style

Mikelah from Style & Vibes

Jai from The Fat and Skinny on Fashion

The fabulous ladies of Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

Aren't these ladies great? It was really pleasure to be in the same room as them. It really was a place for positivity. I definitely plan on going back.
xoxo

Saturday, September 10, 2011

IFB Conference Outfit

I know some of you wanted to see what it is I wore to the conference. I showed you all the perfect dream outfit, if you don't remember here it is...

and here is what I wore!


Lela Rose Wedges

 H&M bag

Details
Top- Forever21
Shorts- Asos Curve
Wedges- Lela Rose for Payless
Bag- H&M
Glasses- Claire's

Getting dress the morning of the conference was...talk about organic. I had no idea what I was going to do with my hair. I curled it the night before and I hated it. but last minute i did a quick little updo and LOVED IT!
T
he glasses were a last minute thing as well. I was getting ready to walk out the door when I say them on my dresser, i put them on and it was lik YYYEEESSS *2 snaps* lol
I kept the make up and accessories really simple because I wanted the outfit to speak for itself.

And the shoes....lol the shoes, the shoes, the shoes They were a real hit which was not what I was expecting. When I saw this shoes at payless I just had to have the. The issue is, they are a size ten. in the store only left foot was able to fit in the shoe. The band that comes over the top of my foot was cutting off all kinds of circulation lol. So when I got home and thought about it, I cut the top part open. I made all kinds of attempts to fix it and make the shoe look better. but while at the conference i left them juSt cut open and every loved them! yup my shoes were a DIY. POW!!!

What do you guys think?

xoxo

Friday, September 9, 2011

Goodies from the IFB Conference

So I walked away from the IFB Conference with a host of goodies! And not jsut rinky dink stuff. I mean stuff that I actually like or would use! so here they are.



 BaubleBar Earrings Retail $40

Amika mini flat iron  Retail $45

Urban Decay Feminine Palette Retail $34

Butter London Nail Polish Retail $14

Bobble Water Bottle Retail $9.99

The cutest little bow from Glamorous Boutique


Copy of the September issue of Elle (shout out to Joe Zee)

An Aldo tote I won

Simple tote support Style Caster (shout out to Ari Goldberg)
Aren't these gifts fabulous! I know I know lol thanks to all the brands and thanks to IFb.

xoxo

IFB Conference...Couldn't ask for anything better

I don't even know where to begin! This past Tuesday Sept. 7th was the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference, and I can honestly say I had a blast, and walked away inspired. When I arrived, I was a little shy, just walked around, waved, smiled at some people. I was rather overwhelmed. I didn't know where to even start.




I was given a goody bad (which I have yet really go through lol) There was manicures, and Magnum ice cream, Aldo Rise was in the building, giving out prizes, Marina was in the house and for those of you who don't know Marina, you will!

Say hello to Marina (25 foot tall doll kept track of all the tweets of the morning)


Aldo Rise fall fashion



we started around 9:45 or so with the first Panel discussion. and every one was set, people had their tablets, Ipads, laptops, and some took it old school with good fashion pen and paper taking notes on what the panel list were saying. As a relatively new blogger I felt like the panelist was talking directly to me. Really understanding what and why i blog. Really understanding branding myself as a blogger.

Each panel discussion lasted about an hour and a 1/2. The facilitator would pose some questions allowing for the panelist to really open up. And then open up questions to the audience. all the panelist were honest, helpful and kept it real with us. letting us know that every1's blogging experience will not be the same, but never underestimate the content we put out there.

There was a lot of discussion about the place bloggers have in the fashion world. Where we stand? Do we make a difference? How to remain relevant?

Bloggers Tool Kit
Is the Social Media Industry broken?
Balancing Act:: Business and Blogging
Evolution of Fashion Media
Keynote Speaker Joe Zee (Creative Director of Elle Magazine)



In between each panelist discussion, there was a nice break, we good grab something to drink (shouts out to Vita Coco) we could grab ice cream courtesy of Magnum!  And the best thing free Bobble water bottles. which I must say is an awesome little thing!



Around 12:30 lunch was served. As always we took the time to take pictures, collect and give out business cards (which by the end of lunch, I had ran out lol) I must say the fashion in that room was incredible. I felt like I actually fit in because I felt like everyone had really put time and effort into what they wore. and it was so refreshing to see the shoes, the skirts, the jackets the hair, the make up...UHHHH IT GAVE ME LIFE lol I will actually do a separate post on the outfits and the bloggers I met!

After the last panel discussion, we had an hour break to leave, and grab coffee or some food, cause we had been there pretty much all day, we took full advantage of that. I grabbed lunch with three great bloggers (had a great bowl of fettuccine lol) and to end a great night sitting down listening to Creative Director of Elle Magazine Joe Zee!

Ya'll let me tell you, I think everyone in that room was hanging on his every word. He opened up about his life, his schedule, his takes on the blogging world, his reality show, give tips and advice. He was so down to earth and talked to us like he would talk to his peers. Talking TO us not AT us, which made me really want to listen to him, cause I felt like he understood the place that a lot of bloggers were and where we were trying to go.





I met so many great men and women. It was such a blessing to be among people that love fashion, that love blogging, and that real about what they do. Sure everyone is at different points in their blogging career, some have years under their belt, some a few months. everyone had different demographics, we were all different in age, but that day as chilly and rainy as it was, we were all the same. celebrating what we love to do. If you missed it, you missed one hell of a day!

Stay tuned for follow up post on my outfit, the great bloggers I met, and the great gifts i walked away with.

follow the blog on twitter @thickgrlscloset

xoxo
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