I'll Never Ask A Zebra About Stripes Again.

 

Old Navy Chambray Pull-Over (similar here, loving this for spring) | Dorothy Perkins Striped Prom Skirt (similar here in navy and multiple lengths) | Silver Multi-Strand Necklace | Antique Spoon Bracelet | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Bangle (love this two-tone one) | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Boots

 

An outfit from the end of January on an unseasonably warm Saturday. Just wanted something cute and easy, and always looking for ways to wear my chambray pullover. 

And if you were wondering about the title of the post, I'll leave you with this Shel Silverstein poem.

“I asked the Zebra, 

are you black with white stripes? 

Or white with black stripes? 

And the zebra asked me, 

Are you good with bad habits?

Or are you bad with good habits?

Are you noisy with quiet times? 

Or are you quiet with noisy times? 

Are you happy with some sad days? 

Or are you sad with some happy days? 

Are you neat with some sloppy ways? 

Or are you sloppy with some neat ways? 

And on and on and on and on and on and on he went.

I’ll never ask a zebra about stripes...again.”

Everything's Coming Up Floral

I was inspired by my most recent Woman's Day magazine. I don't ever really consider myself a "fashion blogger" because the reality is, I don't have strangers on the street telling me how fabulous I look all the time. I don't read Vogue and though I really try to keep current on seasonal trends, colors, and silhouettes, I went to school for English. Yeah.

Anyway, I digress. This spread in my dowdy Woman's Day featured florals and stripes. I have NEVER been a florals person, but for some reason, I absolutely loved the outfit they designed. So I scoured the internet for floral prints that don't make me think of your old Aunt Mildred's couch.

1/2/3/4

I especially love the new Eloquii Floral Pencil skirt, and am really considering purchasing that for the spring, to pair with a black and white striped tee. Also the ASOS peplum top would be adorable for a Friday night date with your darling! 

What do you think? Are you searching for your ideal floral piece?

Weekend Warrior {Cowl Neck Sweater}

  

Coldwater Creek Cowl Neck Sweater (similar here) | Merona Tunic (gifted) | Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Boots (also comes in wide width) | Necklace (gifted) | Hat (old, unknown) 

 

This cowl neck sweater is a versatile gem. In the warmer part of fall I have worn it with nothing but a tank under it, but as the temperature continues to drop, I am adding more layers underneath to keep me toasty. A great find, it is a testament to the plus-size mantra: Try anything and everything on. This sweater caught my eye on the racks at Goodwill, but when I saw it was a size small I almost dismissed it. I decided to try it on anyway as it is meant to be slightly oversized and had a tremendous amount of give. Not only does CC make quality product, this sweater looks like new.

What do you think? Are you a thrifter? 

OMCZ #20 {Color of Confidence}

I'm trying something new as of late. I was fortunate enough to pair up with the wonderful ladies participating in the OMCZ challenge and I could not be more pleased about it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the challenge, Steph over at Seeing Spots describes it as an opportunity "to push us out of your comfort zone, dig deep in our wardrobe and wear those hidden gems we bought but decided we could never wear." We each get a week to select a challenge theme, something that will likely challenge ourselves or others in the group. This week, Vicky has chosen "The Color of Confidence". She says,

 "My theme is going to "The Color of Confidence".  For me, red is the color of confidence and everything I wear it, be it lipstick or clothing; I feel an extra boost. What is your confidence color?"

Old Navy Maxi Dress | Apt. 9 Heels (old) | Dana Buchman Bangle | Charter Club Necklace (gifted) | Brighton | Brighton Earrings and Bangles 

I have this dark hair, pale skin thing going on. I have cool undertones and tend toward a Winter color palette. I stand out the most in jewel tones like emerald, royal blue, royal purple, navy blue, and amethyst. Not to mention burgundy. I have been stockpiling this decadent color for the fall and when I stumbled across this maxi dress from Old Navy, I knew it would be the perfect addition to my fall and winter wardrobe. Burgundy brings out the richness of my hair while really emphasizing the fairness of my skin, not to mention my greyish blue eyes. I feel right at home in my own skin when I'm wearing burgundy. 

 

The reason I consider this a challenge is not because I am uncomfortable or apprehensive about the color now, but that I never really wanted to like this color to begin with. It is a classic color for my classic look. I never wanted to be dark haired and light skinned. I wanted blond hair, a deep tan, and crystal clear blue eyes. I wanted to be the true southern babe in cut-off shorts and white tank top. I wanted to wear mint, coral, salmon. All of those adorable colors the sorority girls wear when they go downtown to party. At this age I have discovered, I am a southern girl. Just less Dixie Chicks and more Scarlette O'Hara. And I am ok with that.  

Don't forget to check out these other wonderful ladies! I am a little late on my post, but I have seen many of these already and must agree that each of them truly looks beautiful in their confident color!

Stephanie	http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Leah	http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Mary	http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky Brown	http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Rachel	http://www.adressisforlife.com/
Natalie	http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki	http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebs	http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
Verena	http://aplussizefashionobsession.blogspot.de/
Beka	bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com
Rebecca	http://theplussideofme.com
Hollie	Http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com
Sabina	http://www.femmefatalexsabina.blogspot.de/
Betty	http://www.bigfatbetty.com/
Katt	http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/
Mookie	http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/
Erin	http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Debz	http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk/

Style It My Way Challenge {Preppy}

Old Navy Crew-Neck Cardigan (XS-XXL) | Old Navy Chambray Pull-Over (sold out in dark color) | Old Navy Knitted Scarf (old) | Old Navy Quilted Barn Vest (XS-XXL) Old Navy The Rockstar Zip Pocket Pants (0-20) | Not Rated Sequin Oxford Flats (similar here in pink) | Pearl Earrings + Diamond and Gold Twist Bracelet (Gifted) 

 

I am a little late with this particular challenge. Like. Several weeks late. I wore this on a casual Friday for work and then to a dollar movie with Mr. BD. Though it seems I could be a poster child for Old Navy, I was channeling something straight out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue. 

What does your preppy looks like?

Georgia On My Mind {Georgia Weekend}

This weekend Mr. BD and I made the five hour trip to Georgia for the UGA vs. App State game. I marched with the UGA Redcoat band all four years of college and was lucky enough to return for homecoming to march again with the alumni band. It was a completely packed few days staying with an assortment of friends, dinner at our favorite vegetarian restaurant, coffee at our favorite coffee shop, attending church with my parents and stopping in on the way home to visit Mr. BD's parents. I woke up this morning very tired, but glowing from all of the love and happiness I experienced this weekend. My move to North Carolina just over a year ago was scary, and while I feel I am slowly putting down roots, it is always so wonderful to revisit the familiar places of your younger years and be with those who know you the most.

 

On Sunday we snapped a few pictures with my family after church and then visited with my best friend and her family on the way out of town. We also ended up with a card-worthy picture with her pups Aries and Atlas, which would surely confuse everyone if that showed up in the mail this Christmas. 

 

Old Navy Women's Striped Sweater Dress (XS-XXL) | Old Navy Quilted Barn Vest (XS-XXL) | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Boots (similar in brown here) | Necklace (Gifted) 

How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?

Weekend Warrior {Chambray + Jeggings}

 

Old Navy Chambray Pull-Over (up to an XXL, on sale now) | AB Studio Jeggings via Kohl's ($8) | Scarf (Gifted) | Vera Bradley Hipster in Sun Valley | Clarks Ingalls Dealware Leather Boots  

 

For me, chambray and jeggings make the most ideal weekend outfit. This structured pull-over top from Old Navy is low-maintenance and trendy, while these jeggings are as comfortable as yoga pants without looking too sporty. A scarf for a pop of color and a side-satchel to free up your hands and you have a sincerely comfortable look that will turn heads. For a similar look from this summer, check out another weekend denim look here. I didn't realize I'd worn the same scarf and denim combination several months prior. Oops. 

What is your favorite weekend wear? 

One Item + Three Ways {Antonio Melani Lace Top}

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

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

Third Outfit | Antonio Melani Lace Top | AB Studios A-line LBD with Skinny Belt | Clarks Ingalls Dealaware Boots | Charter Club Diamond Earrings (Gifted) 

I decided I would be ironic and wear my favorite blue shirt to work this past Monday for having the Monday Blues. I thought, "I can make a witty yet refreshing post and everyone will go crazy over it and I'll rule the world!", but when I saw the pictures from my mini photo shoot with Mr. BD at the end of the day, I was not impressed with the quality of the pictures. I was, however, impressed with my ability to create a completely new look from items I wear separately very often. It's not a new concept to blog about One Item, Three Ways but I sure haven't tried it so I thought I'd give it a shot. 

This top is classic, good quality, and on-trend for fall with the cobalt blue. It truly suits my fashion personality with the lace fringe trim along the sleeves and tiny, delicate buttons down the front. It is the kind of piece that needs no accessories, but is hard to pair with anything other than white or black. Any blouse can be utilized as the central item of a series of outfits with very little effort. My suggestion is, find a blouse in a color that compliments your complexion (for me, it is any jewel toned color) with unique elements (texture, cut, and embellishments) that can be layered or tucked for versatility. 

Do you have a versatile item that always completes an outfit?

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!

Friday Football Fashion {Fall Weather}

Old Navy Women's Chambray Shirt Dress (up to XXL) | Old Navy Quilted Barn Vest (2 colors and up to an XXL) | Merona Opaque Tights in Light Gray | Black Skinny Belt (old) | Dana Buchman Bangle |  Clarks Ingalls Dealware Leather Boots 

Fridays are crazy for us right now. I try to make my clothing choices function for both the office and football because there is very little down time between the two. I would say I have much more interesting things to do than spend my Friday evenings at a high school football game, but, I don't. Mr. BD and I are very supportive of one another which means, sadly, that my Fridays and Saturdays are the property of the LHS marching band. If you are wondering about the sty in the background, this is Mr. BD's office. He wanted me to tell you that the half of the office behind me belongs to the chorus teacher he shares his office with (pfft, whatever). Anyway, this vest has been part of every LHS event outfit for the past several weeks. It is versatile, warm, and trendy. The exposed zipper is preppy, and the quilted pattern is reminiscent of more expensive retailers like J.Crew and Eddie Bower. I even got a compliment on it from one of the students, which always makes me giddy (validation from people 10 years younger than myself is nothing to be proud of, I know).

What would you wear to a high school football game?

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 {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

G.I. Jane {Military}

As the sweltering summer (slowly) draws to a close and cooler temperatures set in, military-inspired fashion is on the rise and I for one am more than happy to fall in line. Khaki green and olive are tones that seem to compliment my yellow complexion so I have always had at least one army-esque article in my wardrobe. These pants were some of the first plus-size jeans I purchased and while Old Navy often disappoints with their sizing inconsistency and sometimes shoddy quality, these pants have, time and time again, been the base for many wonderful outfits. 

Is it a wonder that I paired these pants with an ultra-feminine top? Not only is it a gorgeous nude/pink, it is covered in delicate orange, clear, and taupe sequins. 

I often strive for serious fashion-blogger poses, but sometimes I just can't make it happen (read: ever). I'm fierce in mind and passionate to boot, but when you feel like being goofy, take it and run with it because life is too serious to pass up the opportunity to laugh. 

Jennifer Lopez Sequin Top | Old Navy The Rockstar Zippered Pocket Motorcycle Pants (similar here) | Steve Madden Heaven Leather Flats | Brighton Love & Peace Bangles | Dana Buchman Bangle | Brighton Love Affair French Wire Earrings 

How would you style these pants?

Eye of the Tiger {Mixed Prints}

"I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire. 'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me ROAR. Louder, louder than a lion. 'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me ROAR" - Katy Perry

I heard this song for the first time this morning and I looked down at my skirt and thought, "Huh, I kind of feel like a tiger with my stripes." It's one of those songs where you think it's silly at first, but then you listen to the words and you feel slightly more confident and empowered for having heard it. 

Picture from pre-teen fashion site. Oh, google.

Mixed prints have been all over the blogosphere this summer. There is something so rebellious about pairing two pieces that have no business being together by conventional fashion standards. It is ironic, then, that this outfit just works.

The white polka dots look multi-colored, but they are not.

I am a matchy-matchy person. I like solid colors with few accents. It took a lot to find the confidence to wear this. Once I put it together, I fell in love. Maybe it's how girly the two pieces are, or that I kept it limited to only two colors, but I believe this outfit turned out beautifully.

Old Navy Polka Dot Top (similar here)| Dorothy Perkins Prom Skirt (similar here) | 1930's Vintage Gold Arrow Necklace (gifted) | Gold and Diamond Twist Bracelet (gifted) | Pearl Earrings (gifted) | Steve Madden Heaven Leather Flat 

For other examples of mixed patterns check out Danimezza and GirlWithCurves.