Just Add Color

Happy Thursday Southernistas! Wow I can’t believe this month is almost over! Next week is the last week of July and August is just around the corner alas I can hear the groans of millions of children and the cries of joy from said children parents. My very own offspring will be starting Pharmacy School next month at my alma mater so yes I am a very proud mama! Can’t wait to attend her coat ceremony next month.

As I was thinking about what I wanted to talk to y’all about I gained inspiration from what I wore yesterday. For those of you who’ve been following me from day one then you know I love color and I love bold and bright colors. If I’m wearing black or another dark color then I must add a pop of color to my look. It is rare that I will do a head to toe monochrome look unless it is red or another color.

Now I can already hear you lovers of black saying “black is a color and it goes with everything!” Look I am all for black in fact I recently did a whole post about a LBD (little black dress) I recently got and loved but hear me out: color is your friend!

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I’m going to repeat myself: you can still wear black but just…add…color! A cut yellow (or whatever color) top with those pants or skirt will take your look to another level. Or a cute pair of shoes in another color or colorful print works also or if you carry a bag of any type let be a color.

For so many years we as plus size women have been told to wear all black because it makes you look smaller but you know what that’s not true if you wear all black you’ll be a plus size woman wearing all black so throw out those stupid rules and wear your favorite color or that color you’ve always wanted to wear but was afraid to because of “advice” friends, family and total strangers feel the need to offer you.

Wear that bold color, for me its red, or that cute pastel color you’ve been eyeing longingly but afraid to wear. There is no such thing as a color you can’t wear because every color comes in varying shades of that color red is not just red there are various shades of red. You feel like yellow washes you out and makes you shallow or pale try wearing gold which is a shade of yellow.

I have for years avoided wearing the color pink even though I do love the color (no as much as red) but I always felt like it just didn’t look good on me but I finally decided I’m going to wear pink. Now I haven’t invested in a full head to toe look but I have a pink hounds tooth skirt and another skirt in a shade of pink. I am slowly working my up to a full head to toe look but my point is start with something and own the look!

This Orange dress from Eloquii is still available

Color is a huge mood lifter too! During the winter months I suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and nothing gives me a big boost during those cold gray days then to wear a lot of color. If you want to get that guy to notice you go for a little red dress instead of a little black dress and va va voom!

January 2022

So I want to encourage you to take a good long look at your closet and Just…Add…Color!

Until next time Southernistas!

This teal skirt from Ashley Stewart!

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Investing in Quality

Hello Southernistas! I hope y’all have had an amazing week and are ready for rest & relaxation in whatever form it takes for you this weekend. There is a a lot of discussion today about the affect fashion fashion is having on the environment. First let me say this is not me putting fast fashion down at all! Fast fashion is perfect when you’re starting out as a young person in the work force and you don’t have the funds to shop at brands with higher price points or if you are on a tight budget then fast fashion brands are perfect.

Having said that I want to encourage you to not totally dismiss Torrid, Eloquii, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, independent designers such as Jibri and Zellie for She, and local boutiques (you’ll be helping your local economy too) which I know are expensive but the quality you will get is well worth your money. The material is quality and these are pieces that will last you for years. I know for many, myself included, we live on a budget and I would suggest to think making these purchases every quarter or seasonally when you’re looking to update/refresh your wardrobe and cleaning out your closet. Also check out mid-season sales that usually happen in July when retailers are trying to clear their summer inventory to make way for their fall collections. Check out your local consignment shops, thrift stores, and online thrifting sites like Thred Up and Poshmark.

This dress I am wearing I bought from Eloquii 5 years ago and it looks like I just bought it yesterday. It was worth and still is worth every penny I paid for it along with several other dresses in my closet that I’ve had for several years now.

Until next time Southernistas!

Wednesday’s OOTD

The Ultimate LBD

Hello Southernistas! I thought about writing about 4th of July inspired fashion but I decided to give it a pass this year and just encourage you if you feel so inclined to rock the red, white, and blue!

Instead I want to spotlight this cute faux leather with mesh inserts LBD (little black dress) I scored from Ashley Stewart and it was in the clearance section. Last time I checked this dress was still available in limited sizes but it is still available so go check it out. If you’ve been wanting to jump into the cut out trend but are not fully on board with it this dress is the perfect alternative to a dress with cut outs with its mesh inserts.

I am a big fan of the LBD and am a firm believer it should be in every girl’s closet. It is literally the most versatile and sexiest piece in your closet I promise you. It can go from day to night all with the simple change of accessories. Gone are the days of a so called plain simple black dress now they are body con, cut out, and faux leather and mesh. I am wearing a shaper slip underneath (it’s not lined) but you can wear it without anything underneath if you want to show skin and it runs large so if you want a fitted look size down if your size it is available.

Until next time Southernistas!

Check me out on Instagram

Summer Style…Summer Vibes

Hello Southernistas! We are three days into summer and at the risk of being repetitive I…AM….HERE…FOR…IT…YES! All of it! The sun, fun, long days, and of course the fashion. Now I’ve already talked about how I consider this maxi dress season but there is so much more than maxi dresses. I love the swimwear that is always next level, the cute skirts, sandals (high & low heels), cute tops, and the colors and prints. This is the time of year that I put away my pants and leggings because I just fine them too hot to wear and break out the skorts and shorts.

I decided this year to not do as much shopping as I usually do for this season but I have picked up a few things like this cute top from Eloquii (got it in every color) their semi annual sale is going on now, a few skirts (wearing one of them) and dresses from Ashley Stewarts, and of course a few more maxi dresses from Lane Bryant. I love to purchase my maxi dresses from Lane Bryant because they offer, not all, but most of them in petite (5″3 & under) so I don’t have to get them altered or wear heels all them time with them.

I encourage y’all don’t cover those arms and legs just because someone has a problem with how you look! You deserve to be just as cool and comfortable as our smaller sisters and brothers. Get that summer vibe going and enjoy SUMMER!

Until next time Southernistas!

Top Eloquii, Skirt Ashley Stewart

Gingham Pink Maxi Dress Lane Bryant

Check me out for more fashion inspiration and books on my Instagram

The Bodycon Dress

Hello Southernistas! Hope you’ve had a great week and that you have an even better weekend! I confess the one article of clothing that puts me way outside my comfort zone is the bodycon dress. What is a bodycon dress you ask. Bodycon is a dress that hugs your body and trust me I realize this dress makes many plus size women uncomfortable and many avoid this dress . I understand because I was one of those women for years because of my tummy. My comfort zone is an A-line or fit and flare dress that doesn’t draw attention to my middle.

As you can see from the numerous pictures of me on this blog I carry my weight in my middle so in my mind bodycon dresses are more suited for an hourglass shape or a pear share. If you’ve wanted to try a bodycon dress but have been hesitant I recommend a sweater dress they have stretch and they tend to skim the body so they’re not too bodycon which I personally believe is the perfect dress to start with or size up the dress will not hug your curves as much. If you’re self conscious about your tummy or another part of your body you don’t want to draw attention to add a duster, cardigan, moto jacket, or blazer to give you a little more coverage. I cannot stress the importance of the right foundation garments! The right shapewear and bra with the dress will not make you slimmer but smooths everything out so the dress fits you like it should!

I promise you bodycon dresses are nothing to be afraid of and there is a dress out there for you that will make you feel sexy and a total bombshell. Don’t let the negative voices or doubts stop you from dipping your toe in this part of the fashion waters. If you’re still not ready to try full on bodycon look go with a pencil skirt to begin with and work your way up to the dress.

You have a wide selection of brands to choose from but I highly recommend Fashion to Figure they are my go to for bodycon dresses and this little red bodycon sweater dress (buttons are not functional) is FIRE! I wore a cami under it for the office and wore this red moto jacket to complete the look. This dress is sold out but click here and here for an alternate

There is a bodycon dress out there for you I promise!

Until next time Southernistas

Dress — Fashion to Figure (sold out), Moto Jacket — Eloquii (sold out) alternate, Shoes — Just Fab

Cold Weather Fashion

Hello Southernistas! Well after a very warm December winter has finally decided to make an appearance! While winter along with fall is not my favorite season I do love the fashion and I’m blessed to live in a state that experiences all four season (sometimes in a single day). So I indulged myself last month and added a few more sweaters and sweater dresses to my closet to keep me warm and cozy.

Until next time Southernistas! Stay warm and Be safe!

This sweater dress from Lane Bryant does double duty on those days when the temps are in the high 40s — 50s it is super warm and cozy with a pair of tried and true boots I’ve had forever from Payless. Because it is such a thick seater dress it gives double warmth under your coat for colder days.

This dress is still available , Alternate for boots here, here, here, here

Fashion to Figure is a brand I’ve wanted to try for a while now but my style is sexy but modest and this brand is full on sexy! But all is not lost and by diligently looking I have scored some cute pieces that work for my style especially this red sweater dress. I just popped a white tank underneath and I was ready to go. The buttons are not functional and you can actually size down because the dress runs a little large. I wanted a compete head to to red look so I grabbed my red moto jacket (comes in several colors) from Eloquii and my brand new red pumps from JustFab and I am warm and slaying it!

Fashion to Figure Sweater Dress, Eloquii Moto Jacket, Just Fab Red Pumps comes in black also

Sofistafunk Girl

Hello Southernistas! I hope you’ve had a great week and are getting ready for not only the weekend but to regain an hour of sleep as we turn back out clocks. Today I want to talk about an independent size inclusive brand that is woman and black owned and a totally cool and unique fashion brand and that is Sofistafunk the Skirt Co . I discovered this brand about 3 maybe 4 years ago thanks to an Instagram ad. Arlinda McIntosh is the owner and incredible designer of this brand and trust me when I say once you see her designs you will find yourself reaching for your credit card. 

The designs really are one of a kind I mean Arlinda elevates the denim skirt to a whole new level and believe me you’ll get nothing but compliments. I’m not going to lie to y’all some of her pieces are expensive but they are worth your dollars and she offers customization plus this brand is environmentally responsible and most of their designs produce zero waste! If you have any questions you can reach out to Arlinda and she will respond to you pretty quickly. This brand doesn’t just offer denim skirts I just love the denim skirts but you will find dresses, tops, and accessories also.

As a plus size woman independent brands are a plus size girls best friend! They really do design with a larger body in mind and they give us the fashion that we want and demand and they are worth every dollar. I have purchased two denim skirts from Sofistafunk and I have never been disappointed. 

When you order from Sofistafunk keep in mind everything is hand made so it will not ship out that same day you order it takes about 10–14 days without customization. She does offer customization which can add to how long it takes to receive your order but it is well worth the wait and Arlinda always adds some little extra goodies in your order. 

I recently purchase this lovely maxi denim skirt and it fit my 5″3 frame perfectly and I’ve gotten nothing but compliments. Don’t sleep on this brand!

Until next time Southernistas!

Sofistafunk Denim Maxi Skirt, Top — Ashley Stewart, Denim Booties — Nine West

Print Love: Houndstooth

Hi Southernistas! Let’s talk about houndstooth! Now I know for many of you any print is scary to wear because we’ve all heard “the rules” no polka dots, no florals, no strips, and only wear black to make us look “smaller.” Well throw those rules out the window and embrace….houndstooth! I love this print in fact it’s right up there with my love of all things gingham and polka dot. If you look in my closet you will see plenty of all three prints but houndstooth to me is by far the boldest of the prints (I also call it the optical illusion print).Houndstooth is a very sophisticated print and it can make you look very pulled together and elegant. This print is as previously stated a bold print and you have to wear it with equal boldness and fierceness! This print not only comes in black and white but you can find it in other bold colors like this print from Ashley Stewart who does has really taken it up when it comes to this particular print.

I encourage you to give this print a try. If you don’t want to do a head to toe look try wearing a pant or skirt or a blazer/jacket in this print. You’ll feel elegant and trust me the compliments will come!

Until next time Southernistas! Be Bold! Be Brave! Be Beautiful!

Duster & Pants– Ashley Stewart

My Second Favorite Color

Happy Monday Southernistas! I hope I y’all had a great weekend and that you are feeling rested, renewed, and restored and ready to conquer your week.

It is not secret that my absolutely favorite color is red! I look amazing in the color red and I feel bold, confident and sexy in red too. I mean what girl doesn’t feel a total boss babe or a sexy siren when they put on a red dress or lipstick or even a killer pair of red stilettos. But I must confess there is another color I am starting to fall in love with and that is the color green. Now don’t get me wrong it will never replace my first love red but over the last year I find myself gravitating to the color green whenever I go shopping. I discovered this beautiful green maxi dress at Ashley Stewart and it is so comfortable and stylish but alas it is sold out but I will provide links to alternates. Green always reminds of Spring and Summer and it is such a restful and peaceful color and it is a soft color. Green can also be a bold color like every color there is a shade of green for everyone.

With fall just around the corner I’ve been checking out the darker tones of the color Green and can’t wait to incorporate them in my fall closet. If you are looking in your closet and wondering what’s missing I would suggest you incorporate a little green in your closet and just enjoy all the compliments.

Until next time Southernistas remember Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be Confident!

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Dress from Ashley Stewart (sold out) alternate, alternate, alternate| Shoes from Payless Shoe Source

Finding Inspiration

Hello Southernistas! I hope y’all have had a wonderful weekend and that you stayed cool and fashionable in this heat.

I must admit that lately I’ve just felt like I’ve lost my fashion mojo. The great thing about fashion is that there is so much great plus size fashion out there and my closet reflects this the problem is there is so much great plus size fashion and my closet reflects this. I honestly don’t know how full time bloggers do it! Once upon a time I hardly had anything to wear and now I have an overwhelming selection. Usually I plan out my outfits for the week but lately I have been lacking inspiration. I have just felt so uninspired the last few weeks and I find myself looking in my closet thinking whatever my hand lands on that is what I will wear and sometimes that works.

I plan to find my inspiration by tapping into my style sisters at church, my friends, on Instagram, and the Dia Facebook community where there is sisterhood and I am always encouraged and inspired by the women in the Dia community who are fearless. These are great ways to rediscover my fashion mojo. If you’ve been feeling uninspired lately or have lost your fashion mojo tap into your community weather it is on online or in real life and rediscover you fashion inspiration.

Until next time Southernistas remember Be Bold, Be Beautiful, Be Brave!

Dress from Eloquii | Shoes from Payless Shoe Source | Bag from JustFab (sold out) alternative