What to Wear to a Conference – Look 1 – Blouse with Pants

Like I mentioned yesterday, I seriously over-packed for this year’s Get Radical…and it’s not just this year’s conference. It’s every year, every business meeting, every training. I’ve had too many mornings of waking up and hating the one outfit I packed, or discovering that the shoes are incredibly uncomfortable or everyone else is going dressy and I went with business casual. I’m betting I’m not the only one who does this, so I’ve decided to share some of the outfits I packed (and some I wish I had). You’ll find options in every price point for an entire outfit, accessories included!

More to come throughout the week as I share more about Get Radical 2013.

What to Wear to a Conference - Blouse & Pants - Plus

Lands End Ponte Plus Pants $34.99-$84.99
Eileen Fisher Plus Crepe Stretch Pants $178
Sejour Plus Faux Wrap Knit Top (Gwynnie Bee)
Michael Kors Plus Spotted Boatneck Top (Gwynnie Bee)
Charlotte Russe Cap Toe Ballet Flat $23
Croft & Barrow Ballet Wedges $18
Mango Croc Effect Tote $50
Coach Legacy Weekend Tote $248
Napier Silver Knot Earrings $5
CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane Tennis Bracelet $84

This is one of those times I took advantage of Gwynnie Bee to pull together an outfit. If you’re already a member, be sure to check out their April Closeting Contest, and if not, you can sign up here and have tons of fun filling your closet to enter.

Lace Goes Plus Size…and Trendy

Trendy Plus Size Lace

I am still loving the lace trend, and wanted to put together a plus size ensemble completely different from last week’s looks. You may recognize the top, it’s the same one I loved in off-white back in the Winter from Gwynnie Bee (one of my favorite things – not having to commit to a color, or buy 10 colors when I find a top I like). It also gave me a chance to sneak in a bit of emerald, the color of the year according to GB. This is another look that definitely took some inspiration from Hart of Dixie again, and proves that not only can plus size take part in the trends, but can be modern and sexy too.

Gwynnie Bee Emerald Green Juliet Wrap Top
Black Sateen Shorts $38.50
Forever 21 Metallic Piped Wedges $30
Maurices Plus Blazer $44
Big Buddha JSABBEY Tote $70
Blu Bijoux Crystal Infinity Necklace $16

Emerald - Gwynnie Bee Color of the Year

Forget the Snow, Let’s Talk Spring Fashion

The fashion powers that be have made lace on of the Spring trends for 2013. The good news is that lace is a trend that us plus size ladies can participate in and look damn good doing it!

Gwynnie Bee red lace cocktail dress

Even if we’re being incredibly goofy while wearing it.

Juliet lace top and jeggings

You may remember both of these looks from my post back in December. I guess I was ahead of the fashionistas! Gwynnie Bee is going to help me keep that up with their latest collection of new arrivals, Wild and Lacy! Isn’t it great to be able to participate in a trend that can work for any size and shape? And without commitment, just swapping as you discover what works, what doesn’t, what fits your upcoming occasions and what fits you – all for one low monthly fee. And even better, right now their offer for a FREE 30-day trial has been continued - sign up here!

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Now that you’ve seen how I’ve styled my personal looks in the past, I want to show you how I’ll style some of my favorite new lace pieces, and maybe give you some wardrobe inspiration.

Take this Kiyonna Valentina Illusion Dress from Gwynnie Bee. I drew inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton for this look. I love a dress that covers my arms, but also love that the lace makes this one sexy instead of matronly.

Royal Lace Fashion

Love Me Patent Pump $40
Adriana Orsini Pave-Framed Sapphire-Colored Necklace $75
ABS Chandelier Sapphire Earrings $55
Aldo Handbag in Simler $20

You could also do a similar look with the Maitai Three-Quarter Sleeve Lace Dress from GB as well, although I would swap for pearl and sapphire jewelry, a cream or blue bag and a lighter nude shoe.

Gwynnie Bee Maitai lace dress

For those who like their lace a little edgier, this is a very dramatic, almost retro look depending on how far you take the hair and makeup with this Lands End Scroll Dress.

Lacy Edge

Torrid Black Opaque Tights $15
Rock & Republic Heeled Booties $33
Dorothy Perkins Glitter Scalloped Clutch $27
Tasha Triple Headband $58
Solandra False Eyelashes $10
Nars Luxor Lipgloss $24
Kohls Bead Drop Earrings $8.40

Stay tuned, because I love lace as a more casual day look, so I’ve got plenty of ideas coming your way! Is lace a spring trend you’ll be jumping on or avoiding? Don’t forget you can try it for free for 30 days from Gwynnie Bee!

In Living Color…or How to Add Color to Your Plus Size Wardrobe

I’m really hoping to continue to have fun with fashion and further develop a signature style in the new year. One of the things I’m trying to do is to incorporate more color into my wardrobe instead of the  all black pairings I frequently sport.

Of course, I’m playing with what looks good with my skin and hair, what I’m comfortable in, what I already have a lot to match and what I can make a wardrobe out of, so it’s a lot of trial and error right now. For those of you who might share this new years “resolution” with me, here are a few of my favorite Gwynnie Bee new arrivals that I’m experimenting with!

black and blue cardigan by INC courtesy of Gwynnie Bee

I loved this plus size cardigan from INC (aka International Concepts, a line from Macy’s that comes in both plus and misses). It had just enough black that I was still in my comfort zone, and it was perfect for work, but unfortunately I added a size too small, so you don’t get to see it on.

Angel Ribbons Star top from Gwynnie Bee

I actually tried the yellow Angel Ribbons Star top back in December, because I love zippers and yellow is usually a good color for me. I wore it out for a family dinner with leggings and boots and everyone loved it, but I felt like a circus tent. It was a little loose and baggy, a little bright, and a little more patterned than I’m used to.

International Concepts INC Green Snakeskin Print Jeweled Collar

This is where I found my color vibe! I loved this paired with black pants. It didn’t feel too dramatic, but liked the flair of the bold green color, the jeweled collar, the classic fit and the incredibly comfortable knit. It was the perfect top to wear when I had to travel into one of my offices with a classic black tote like this Steve Madden and a pair of black flats with hints of gold for fun. I found a pair at TJ Maxx for a great price, but these Nine West flats are pretty sweet.

Stay tuned – I’ve got more coming for those of you who want to ease into color with accessories for under $50! And for those of you who want to try the tops above for FREE, don’t forget to take advantage of the extended 30-day trial membership offer at Gwynnie Bee.

Wanderlust

It seems my need for a change of scenery has spread to my wardrobe. I’m not sure if it’s really a trend, or just one that I’ve created for myself, but I realized that I have been drawn to and have amassed quite a collection of a somewhat vintage southwestern look (I think that’s what you’d call it?).

Wanderlust
It started with the fabulous cardigan I found at Old Navy for our family photos.
me in a field of grass
And of course, I had to get all the colors.
Old Navy Cardigans
Then, it was the Justin cowboy boots (mine are no longer available, but these are similar) I found on Poshmark. They were a great deal! You can find a wide variety in just about every price range right now.

collection of womens cowboy boots

Target had an entire wall that I wanted to take home with me…

Aztec Style at Target

And then I found this sweet cardigan from Gwynnie Bee that I promptly added to my closet. PS – it looks like they’re still running their 30-day free trial membership as of now, but that could change at any point!
Kristen Miles Navajo Shawl Plus Size from Gwynnie Bee
Plus Size Tribal Print Cardigan from Gwynnie Bee by Kristin Miles
This trend seems to be carrying over into the home decor section, and I keep eyeing them as we work on redecorating our living room, dining room, office, two bathrooms and bedroom, but since Mike thinks I look like John Mayer, I’m not sure he’d go for it.
John Mayer's Montana Makeover
I’m sure I’ll be sharing all of the room makeovers with you, so maybe I’ll sneak in a few pictures just in case you want to grab some fabulous finds for your abode instead of your bod!