Style It My Way Challenge {Fall Colors}

 

Apt. 9 Crepe Blouse | Old Navy The Rockstar Zip-Pocket Pants | Braided Belt (Walmart, old) | Brighton Gold & Silver Hoops (gifted) | 1930's Vintage Arrow Necklace (gifted) | Leather Booties via JCPenney Outlet (similar here)

 

 

 

With military fashion and ankle boots the go-to fashion trends for the fall, I love designing an outfit that incorporates both as well as a token fall color like burgundy. Feminine and edgy, this look is great for a casual Friday at the office or a low-key date to dinner and the movies. Add an animal print scarf or a taupe fur vest like this from Forever 21 and you're ready for cooler temps.

Come view these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Also, if you haven't noticed, my shirt is tucked in. You may be asking yourself, "Erin, why is that nugget of nonsense even relevant?" Well, Curvation is launching their Lookbook For All campaign in favor of breaking traditional plus-size fashion rules. We've all heard these, the rules that tell us bigger babes to avoid horizontal stripes, all-over print, and short-waisted tops. To participate, add your rule-breaking looks to Curvation's Pinterest board at #lookbookforall and help bust those fashion myths!

Style It My Way Challenge {Mixed Prints}

Mossimo Tie-Neck Peasant Top via Goodwill ($4.00) | Dorothy Perkins Striped Prom Skirt (similar here) | Chelsea Crew Maxin Leather Pumps | Wooden Bead Necklace (gifted) | Pear Earrings (gifted)

Mixed prints are a little intimidating for someone as matchy-matchy and minimalist as me. My first time trying the trend involved just two colors and two patterns. You can see it here. When I found this blouse at Goodwill, I knew it was perfect for taking this trend to the next level for me. If you are hoping to test the waters with a similar look, I suggest sticking to as few colors and least contrasting patterns as you can with an accent piece such as a necklace or bag to make it pop. 

Do you mix your patterns? What is your favorite mixed look?

Come view these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Style It My Way Challenge {Day to Night}

Antonio Melani Lace Top | Dorothy Perkins Black Leather Look and Ponte Wrap Skirt | Chelsea Crew Maxin Leather Pumps | Pearl Earrings (Gifted) 

A day to night look that takes me from the office to errands and puppy training class with B-Dog. 

Antonio Melani Lace Top | Old Navy The Rockstar Jeggings | Clarks Ingalls Dealaware Boots | Asian Floral Clay Earrings, theshagbag via Etsy   

Stop by and visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Sweater Weather

Every blogger must go MIA every once in a while. I have had a lot of after-hour work commitments and family visits these past few weeks and it's hard to find time to get a picture or post in, especially when I am just recycling some of my already featured but well-loved outfits. I apologize.

I wanted to start this Monday morning off with a short post featuring my first cardigan of the year! I have always considered myself a cardigan person, but y'know, that versatile piece rarely makes it into my closet. I always think I'll buy a million at the start of fall, but inevitably talk myself out of purchasing one each and every time. Luckily, Old Navy has been having a few start-of-season sales and I have snagged several.  

It's one of those Monday mornings where everything seems to be plotting against you. I feel bloated and tired from a busy weekend visiting with Mr. BD's family. He and I both have late evenings so pictures needed to happen in the morning if they were to happen today which meant my hair didn't get dry before. Sometimes you just have to accept that things aren't picture perfect and make the best of it.

 

Old Navy Cardigan in Light Heather Grey | Dorothy Perkins Black Peplum Skirt (sold out) | Levity Caden Ankle Booties | Necklace (gifted)

Are you a cardigan gal?

Style It My Way Challenge {Bodycon}

This week's challenge for Style It My Way is "bodycon". I am new to the bodycon trend as I have made it a point to avoid clothing that fits tightly across my hips. I featured a recently purchased Dorothy Perkins bodycon on the blog several months back and consider it one of my most rewarding fashion experiments. This dress is not what I would really consider a bodycon, but it is fitted enough throughout the length of my body that I felt it met the needs of this challenge. 

I don't subscribe to the fashion industry's "rules" for fat women. I do, however, know what makes me feel comfortable. If you are apprehensive about trying something outside of your comfort zone, choose an element that allows you to feel comfortable while also challenging yourself. My compromise for a fitted dress was a dress that came a few inches above my knees.

 

 

I also hope you enjoy this rare picture of B-Dog in which you can actually identify his facial features. He's so dark that his face tends to come out looking like an amorphous blob. Not cute. 

Apt. 9 Animal Print Dress | Chelsea Crew Maxin Pumps | Brighton Love & Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Love Affair French Wire Earrings 

 Stop by and visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style

Nikki at Natty Nikki

Hannah at Nounzilicious

Style It My Way Challenge {Denim}

This week's challenge is "denim". I decided to break out this outfit I created for the GirlWithCurves Peplum Style Challenge last week that I had yet to feature on my blog. Let me take a moment to say how grateful I am to have been featured on Tanesha's blog. If you will remember from my very first post, I mentioned that discovering GWC was one of the turning points for me in regards to self-love. My most recent post about role models only touched on fashion models who have inspired me, but there are countless others who have contributed. Tanesha is just one of the many extraordinary bloggers who have been a constant for me in the past few months.

Ok. Before I tear up. I only snagged the one picture of the original outfit as it was dark and Mr. BD and I were heading out for drinks with some friends. I recreated the look for work and just swapped out bags for a more practical approach. 

The look is actually an Old Navy chambray dress featured here paired with my Dorothy Perkins black peplum skirt. 

Old Navy Chambray Dress | Dorothy Perkins Black Peplum Skirt | Chelsea Crew Maxin Pump | Coach Bag (Gifted) | Vintage 1930's Gold Arrow Necklace (Gifted) | Gold & Diamond Twist Bracelet (Gifted)

 Stop by and visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat
Natalie at A Wheel Barrow Full of Style
Nikki at Natty Nikki
Hannah at Nounzilicious

Style It My Way Challenge {Wedding Attire}

I recently reached out to Felicity Hart and practically begged her to let me participate in the Style It My Way challenge. She was so gracious and readily agreed to let me join in on the fun. This week's challenge is an outfit that could be worn to a wedding.

It may sound Type A of me, but I try to have outfit formulas for each life event I attend. It saves on stress, takes into account the activity and the conditions, and allows me to have the best time while still looking great. The formula for a stunning wedding outfit includes a well-tailored dress, glitzy yet practical heels, and a small clutch. I avoid too short, too tight, and too embellished garments. Too many times being stuck in tights that kept rolling down or dresses that wouldn't let me breathe taught me the value of planning ahead.

The last wedding I attended I wore a beautiful a-line chiffon dress with a cumberbund pleated empire waist from ModCloth.

Me with my beautiful mother

I have since outgrown the dress (I cry every time I think about it) and moved on to greener and more beautiful pastures with a ponte Dorothy Perkins Little Black Dress.

    

It is long enough to maintain my modesty, but short enough to be a special occasion dress. The gold bar and keyhole along the neckline give the dress a dash of glamour.

Also, if you love your LBD, but want to shake it up a bit, Glamour has an article on updating your LBD's look.

Dorothy Perkins Black Ponte Gold Bar Dress | Franco Sarto Heels | Brighton Earrings | Assorted Bangles | Apt. 9 Clutch

Please take the time to visit these other wonderful ladies who are also participating in challenges, or check us out at  #styleitmyway on Twitter.

Felicity Hart

Becky Brown at Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat

Four Elements Challenge {Earth}

I don't know about you, but when I need some fashion items for less I turn to Forever 21. I can always count on them for disposable garments that are on-trend without breaking the bank. They offer several different lines including Capsule 2.1 and Love 21, amongst others.

Love 21 has just released a new Lookbook for summer with a slew of new clothes. It's cleverly entitled "The Elements of Style" and the concept centers around nature's four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. Pieces are designed with color and characteristic in mind. Browns and olive green, muted oranges and yellows for earth. Bright red, burnt orange, sunshine yellow for fire. You get the picture.

Find It Here

I am embarking on yet another month-long shopping diet, but I am completely inspired by this concept. It is my goal over the next several weeks to shop my closet for an outfit representative of each element. To get the ball rolling, I have already designed an outfit for Earth. 

I own quite a few army green/olive garments and the outfit I originally picked out for this post showcased some brown buckled ankle boots and an olive button-up utility dress. When I finally got dressed this morning, however, I decided I would take a chance on a dress I have been waiting to showcase. This dress is a hefty weight, soft and sturdy material, and a vibrant kelly green. The fit up top is just a little off for me. I was waiting to get the top altered before I featured it in a post, but I was truly feeling it this morning. I feel like Link from the Legend of Zelda games (don't stone me for that reference, please). 

 

Land's End Pleat Shoulder Drapey Ponte V-Neck Dress | Thrifted Belt | Gifted Bag | Steve Madden Wedges (similar here) | Assorted Gold Bangles | New York & Company Aviators | World Market Leaf Necklace | Brighton Earrings (similar here)

Do I look earthy? 

{Model} Monday

The weekend was a long one for Mr. BD and I. We had several commitments and his school year is gearing up soon so we needed to get the apartment in order. I am well-rested, but Monday came too quickly for my taste. I wanted to spruce up my 'tude with a semi-professional outfit, and of course took the opportunity to model my new Dorothy Perkins peplum skirt.

 

Apt. 9 Crepe Blouse | Dorothy Perkins Peplum Skirt | Franco Sarto Heels | Charter Club Earrings & Necklace (gifted) | Brighton Love and Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle 

I have been thinking a lot about brand loyalty lately, or rather, brands that meet my expectations for a piece of clothing. The first time I realized I was plus-size was when I went into a Banana Republic store and wanted to buy a new pair of shorts. I hadn't bought a pair in a year or so and I wanted to treat myself to something nice before spring fully set in. I went to try on the second to largest size, and then the largest size. Neither of them even came close to fitting me. It was a terrible feeling, but even worse was realizing that Banana Republic is just one of many stores that don't carry my size in store. At first I was miserable and full of self-hate, and then I decided to put my big girl breeches on (pun intended) and find a way to dress myself the way I wanted to. Over time, I have discovered many online retailers that carry my size and go upwards of size 28. I have slowly been sampling their merchandise, and there are a few I am feeling, and a few I have yet to invest in. Dorothy Perkins is one of those retailers I am thoroughly impressed with. I have a hard time getting my size right, as is the case with this skirt, but I find their selection fashionable, flattering, and well-made.

If you have a favorite plus-size brand, I would love to hear about it! I want to know what your experiences have been like.

Blue Monday

I love my job. I love having a career in the nonprofit industry and I love the people I work with. HOWEVER, weekends are sacred to me. It is the time that Mr. BD and I get to catch up, clean, and love on B-dog. We get to explore our relatively new city, take walks, try new restaurants, and have unrestricted fun. By the time Monday morning rolls around, I am pretty blue. Like I said, I love my job, but Mondays are rough. To combat my less than stellar mood, I like to put my best foot forward with a professional outfit, a nice cup of coffee, and getting to the office a few minutes early to prep for our Monday staff meeting.

For me, a professional outfit is modest, well-made, and well-tailored.

I have a love-hate relationship with this dress. It is gorgeously made, lined on top and bottom, a prefect fit, and has a unique element with the peplum-esque ruffle on the skirt. I hate it because I can never seem to accessorize it in a way that makes it feel less, well, humdrum.

 

 

Max & Cleo Dress via Dillard's (Similar here) | Levity Caden Bootie | Brighton Earrings | Dana Buchman Bangle 

A little about these suede ankle booties. They. Are. Amazing. I found them at DSW originally for $105. They were on clearance for $70 or so with an additional 50% off, I had a $10 off coupon, and the sales associate gave me an extra percentage off for some inaccurate sizing on another shoe from clearance I was going to purchase. Needless to say, I bought these bad boys for a whopping $15! Can you say "Major Steal"?

How do you get ready for your work week? And how do you accessorize your sometimes bland professional wardrobe?