Our language reminds me of these little bakery cakes I see in the store — the icing changes, but the basic formula remains the same. The foundation of our language — I’m talking the grammar and syntax rules that we hated learning in school but rely on so tightly now — can be used as a parallel for what we want to know about now: fashion.
My English teacher my freshman year reminded me not to “chase wildly after trends — find what moves you and stay true to it.” I love the sentiment behind advice — in a world where yesterday’s in is today’s out, it’s hard to not be skeptical about fashion.
Indeed, we ladies of size aren’t exempt from the whims of fashion — we get our share of advertisements. I’m quite sure we’ll continue to be deluged with offers of shiny new clothes for years to come, especially as more stores begin catering to us.
Style. Context. Tone. Flow. Our English teachers regarded this terms as distinct, timeless bells, and salivated accordingly. But you don’t have to be a academic applepolisher to grasp why this is important to you, your fashion profile, and your future fashion purchases. Here’s what you need to remember from English class to keep that wardrobe sparkling:
Style refers both to the way we use things, and the way something is expressed (e.g., a writer using a terse style in a detective novel). In fashion, if you do nothing else, claim your style for you and you alone. In an age of mass produced designs, there are countless ways to make an outfit “yours”. Add earrings that make heads turn. What about a sash or a saucy belt? Necklaces and bright rings? What about touching up the outfit with its own costume jewelry? The options are all yours.
Context is everything — it’s the reason why you might be able to take a verbal jab from your best friend and recoil in horror if your next-door neighbor says the same thing. It’s the same thing with your wardrobe — maybe that shiny red top looks great paired with the denim jacket when you’re out on the town with friends, but it might not bode well in the land of the cubicles, or whatever your workplace is made up of.
When it comes to tone, ask yourself the same question you would when writing a letter or getting ready to speak to a crowd: who am I talking to? Whether we like it or not, our clothes communicate a lot about ourselves to other people. Choosing the right clothes for the locations you find yourself in is important. If it doesn’t feel right to wear something at work or at a social area, chances are it isn’t you. Don’t force a “trend” just to be apart of it!
Your clothes will have a rhythm, a flow, and a style all their own by your attitude towards them. Looking good may take a little effort, but the self-esteem boost that comes from knowing your clothes are in harmony with the world around you just can’t be beat!
Winter hasn’t come to Southwest Missouri just yet, but I am wondering where to put my holiday dollars with respect to my wardrobe. I haven’t made any major purchases just yet — a few family emergencies and other cash suckers have called for a tight rein over all indulgences, including looking fierce.
I did want to make my return post around my favorite winter splurge: dress boots. No, make that wide calf dress boots with a delicately high heel that makes me feel strangely decadent.
I was wandering around zappos when I found this stunning pair of dress boots:
They’re wide calf, which means that I might actually have a chance at stuffing my generous ah, calves in them. At nearly $200, they’d be a serious indulgence, one that I’m still not quite ready to take part in. But you luxe hounds have been warned: winter is starting to look good. Very, very good.
One minor nitpick on this particular pair: I would prefer a pointed toe. And yes, I’m one of those fashion nuts that’ll sacrifice a little comfort to look fierce, so sue me.
I don’t like the word diet. It implies a temporary change, rather than a permanent one. Of course, we could refer to our good friend the dictionary, but society has turned away from the actual definition into something far more negative than I’d like to focus on.
It’s something that I’ve wanted for a long time. I remember as a kid watching the various “feasts” throughout the year, the times where family would get together and getting stuffed was the name of the game, and wondering if eating all that food was really a good idea. We’d be sleepy and uncomfortable afterward, but those are the best memories of my childhood.
The way I see it, there’s nothing that says one can’t have those things. However, I think they have to be in moderation.
I’ve gone to cutting some things out completely, and moving to moderation-status with other things. For example, I’m cutting out soda, but I still do drink fruit juices occasionally (as I go through the weight loss phase of this journey, I may decide to cut that out as well).
I’m also building a food diary. You can build one as well at FitDay, but the best thing you can do for yourself is read. I’ve started at BodyBuilding.com and even PEERtrainer. There’s a zillion websites, which I’ll be booking on my diigo account (going to create a new diigo account for this purpose), and releasing to you fabulous readers. I’m sure I’m not the only one on this journey.
I like variety. Some days I will wake up at 6:30am and go for a walk, aiming for 1.5-2.5 miles for that session. Since I’m restarting this journey for the 3rd time, I’m taking it slow — if I manage to get a mile in for the morning session, that’s fine.
I also have a gym membership — I try to go to the gym at least 2-3 times a week. I like to go more often, because when I don’t go, I’m lazy about working out. Because I’ve restarted back and forth before, and kept a moderate level of activity, it’s not that big of a deal to walk 2.5 miles a day. However, you will definitely want to start out very gently!
I’m big into cardio, but I’ll be starting my weight lifting regimen in a few weeks. For cardio, I like to hop on the treadmill for about 30 minutes, going at an average speed of 3.0 and an incline of 2.5. During the 30 minutes, I may up the speed all the way to 3.5 or even 4.0, but right now 3.2 is a nice speed for me personally. Once again, it’s all about challenging yourself without hurting yourself.
After that, I either go to the seated bike, or the elliptical machine for 20-30 minutes. I prefer the seated bike, as I find it quite challenging. The gym machines have several different programs to choose from; I really like the hill and fat burn programs.
Cool down & stretch again for 10 minutes, drink some water, and I’m good to go. I may treat myself to a protein shake / smoothie from the shake bar, but at $4 a pop, I’m better off buying meal replacement powder from GNC or equivalent and treating myself at home. But if you’ve already got a Starbucks addiction, then you’re not really as price-conscious as I’m being.
As simple as it seems, I’ll be buying a new pair of gym shoes. Nothing too fancy, since I’m rough on shoes for workouts. I’ll also be treating myself to a pair of shoes and a cute, contoured top. I really believe that in order to motivate ourselves as plus size people, the clothes do make a difference. The big, lumpy clothes are a thing of the past. For me, my trick is just buying a shirt that’s one size smaller than what I’d normally get. I wear a 22 normally, so I get an 18/20. It’s close-fitting without screaming “sexy little gym bunny”…unless you like that sort of thing. I want to project a serious intent when I go to the gym, but your mileage will undoubtedly vary.
I am also going to restock my vitamins, fiber supplements, and pick up a big canister of meal replacement protein.
So, that’s what I’m doing right now. Oh, I forgot to mention the vital details:
I started this journey on 5/24/07, where I weighed a total of 280. Today I weighed myself at 241 pounds. I can’t find the measuring tape, another lifestyle purchase I need to make. I do notice a difference in the way my clothes are fitting, as I have gone from a 26/28 to a 22/24. I think the weightloss has been so profound since I’ve been carrying quite a bit of weight. As I continue towards my goal weight (180 pounds), I’m bound to experience a slowdown.
Next post, I’ll talk about the “pitfalls” and other downfalls I’ve experienced in the last few months. Stay tuned, and don’t be afraid to comment and tell me what you think!
I have to say that I’m excited — a more targeted diet, coupled with exercise, has made me get closer and closer to my goal weight. However, the more I read in the plus size fashion world, the less I feel as if I deserve a voice — especially if instead of a size 24, I become an 8 or a 10.
Therefore, today’s question is, what qualifications must be met before one can, with conviction and credibility, write about women’s plus size fashion. Does one have to be plus sized in order to do this? Heck, does one even have to be a woman in order to write about plus size fashion?
Well, the latter question is answered with a no, as Glen from Full Figure Plus writes about women’s plus size fashion all the time.
But the other question, for me, is harder to answer. The designer of a well-received brand in the plus size world, Igigi, is not a plus size woman in the slightest. Yet her line of clothing has turned women’s heads and made us all collectively drool (and collectively wince over the price tag) over those collections.
I’m a blogger that writes about women’s plus size fashion, who is also plus sized herself. However, I’m reaching a part of my life where I need to get active. Am I silently slapping the faces of silent multitudes who aren’t down with the weight loss train? I certainly hope not, though I feel as if I post progress on my weight loss or anything health-wise, I will undoubtedly step on some toes.
You want to know something about weight loss and Deluxegrrl? It’s been a hard ride. I’ve given up soda, candy, chocolate (for the most part. I do slip in a little dark chocolate as a treat every now and again), ice cream (now reserved as a once in a while treat), and fast food (though I still order a steak at a nice restaurant). Am I going to plus size hell for giving up the grease? I surely hope not, but since I kinda exist in a bubble, I’d appreciate comments at this point.
Whenever someone talks about weight loss, especially a plus size person, I almost feel like a million people are sighing, like “oh no, not another ex-big-girl-to-be!” It’s not like I’m going to go from a 24 to a 2, I just don’t have that type of build. But even at 19 going on 20, I have to get real: diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments are a huge problem in my family, and the thought of jabbing myself three times a day (or more, my mom definitely had to poke herself a lot more than that!) with a needle is not my idea of a good time.
I’m not saying that every plus sized person is on the same wavelength as me, or faces the same problems as me. I know several that are healthy as horses, and could outrun me on a bad day. But I’m taking control of this weight loss issue for my health, and therefore I might have to break away from traditional thought on the plus size manner.
If I was doing this for looks, I’d laugh at myself. I’m no starlet, but I definitely get enough attention when I’m out being just plain old Isabella. So I don’t wish to do this for the “hot factor”, since my ego tells me I’m hot as is. 
But when it comes to describing myself, I’d prefer elegant over hot, it seems to last longer.
OK, I’m done. Discuss.
…so I’m just going to post today, since everytime I write something and think about it nothing gets pushed to the front. Call it stage fright, I suppose.
What I’m thinking about today is earrings. Beautiful earrings, necklaces, rings…I’m on a jewelry run like no one’s business. Well, in my head anyway — summer is my savings time, not my spending time. But that doesn’t stop you from dreaming, or even snagging a pair of beautiful pearl earrings, now does it?
I love pearl earrings, necklaces, and even bracelets (and I’m not a huge bracelet grrl), and this pair of vintage pearl earrings looks spectacular! This is the type of jewelry I’d pick for a lovely night on the town with that special guy.
The other reason I like pearls so much is that it gives one a delicate look, classy and simple all at the same time. Studs are great fun when you’ve got your hair up — a sexy bun for the evening never hurt anyone!
So put on those pearls and hit the town running! (or demurely walking — we’ll be too busy looking at your earrings to know the difference!)
The Deluxe Grrl is going to be making the rounds in beautiful Chi-town August 3 - 5, tentatively. Tentatively meaning that I don’t know if those will be the dates just yet, which is why you haven’t seen the flyer I’m making *grin*
I am actually thrilled about the trip — plenty of time to shop, eat, laugh, take pictures, and meet some groovy friends in the process. I am just loving life right now.
I still have some purchases to make, but they’re on the back burner for various reasons. To those that I have said I’d purchase something, trust me on that one. If I pick up something from your store, I will undoubtedly let the readers know about it.
Tomorrow I’m actually going to be “casual” for Casual Friday at work — I told a co-worker I’d actually casual myself…so I will
I am here, I swear. I didn’t realize that so much time had passed since the Maybelline rant. I try to post when the mood hits me, rather than do the whole future-post thang.
So if you’re a Chicagoian and you’d like to meet up for drinks (preferably the non-alcoholic kind, I’m a youngin!) and conversation, or even the once-in-a-lifetime shopping trip (haha my taste would probably bore you though!) together, hit me up! Interested parties can contact me through the usual email channel (deluxegrrl at gmail dot com, figure it out) and we’ll move on from there.
There’s also an Atlanta trip in the works, but it hasn’t been solidified yet!
Sweet, sweet, Maybelline. My first love, before Lancome lured me away, golden roses and all (though, MAC has become an unexpected suitor for my makeup loving heart). Oh, how I long to scoop you up again — I love having a backup makeup when I don’t feel like getting into the good stuffs (like a blind date you aren’t sure of — do you REALLY wanna use $70 eyeshadow on him?).
However, I am totally not feeling the new-ish (I think it’s new, anyway) Maybelline SuperStay lipstick. At first, I was thrilled — 2 in 1 applicator, lip stain on one end, and shiny clear balm on the other.
Application proved my joy to be a little premature. Five minutes later, that crap started beading up on my lips! It looked kinda like when the kids put glue on their fingers or hands, and then pull it off, how it leaves that thin little webbing? Yeah, that’s exactly how it looked.
Horrific.
Thankfully, Rimmel saved the day. Maybe I really do need to get the London look after all, huh?
Shame on you, Maybelline. Maybe I’ll try again someday, but I think you and I just need to have some distance.
So I have a new job (part of the reason why I’ve been a little silent lately), new boyfriend (who lives three hours away, and my car takes premium gas. Hello!?), and new waistline (dropped from a size 28 to a 22 the gradual way — this is a project of mine that’s taken me months to achieve!). So now I wonder what I ought to wear to work.
You see, I work in a call center. My co-workers wear jeans. I own maybe 2 pairs of jeans (with one of them being wayyy too big for me to wear now! Part of me wants to autograph them and sell ‘em, but that’s my ego talkin 
)
I wear lots of blouse + slacks combos, because the slacks are flattering and they do give me a professional edge. However, I don’t want to stick out THAT much, but I don’t want to wear jeans.
I’m thinking maybe a softer look, like khakis or chinos or those cute pants from yester-fashion-year — you remember the black, brown and grey short pants…lordy I can’t remember what they’re called and they were a MAJOR fashion must-have last year…my pair are black, with a tab waist…they go a few inches below the knee, and are pants with a silky polyester material. What they’re called is on the tip of my tongeu, but I can’t think of it.
When I wash them, I’ll take a pic and see if anyone knows what I’m talking about.
And yes, I’m back. I will try, try, try to post at least 2x a week. Oh, and if you’re contacting me for any reason, do realize there is a severe email backlog — so if you’ve emailed me in the last couple of months and haven’t heard from me, send me another email.
It’s not feeling like Spring here in the Ozarks — the rain makes everything feel colder than it should be. I know, I know, April Showers bring May Flowers. But now it’s May, so I want my flowers!
I’ll take a Mexican Dress as a consolation prize, though. Check out The Mexican Dress Lady’s amazingly-simple-looking-yet-beautiful dress creation!
I love the way it looks — so long and flowy, yet very feminine looking. I’m holding back on sewing until I get a better place to do it in, but if you’re wondering how to put that old Singer to work, this is a great “try-me” pattern.
I strongly recommend this cute little dress, and it’s not because The Mexican Dress Lady enticed me with magical chiles…
…OK, a couple. I couldn’t resist. Kidding, kidding. Seriously, this is probably one of the best purchases you can make for 5 bucks. Not quite free, but unlawfully cheap. C’mon, fashionistas, get crafty
If you haven’t heard about the Virginia Tech shooting, educate yourself with a google search. For the 99% of the world that’s seen the news, the title of this post is truly fitting.
I look over my room, see all this *stuff*, all these clothes…and realize that honestly, that’s not what I want to think about today, or focus on today.
I don’t know the shooter. I never got to talk to him, I don’t know what he was going through. I do know that he killed a lot of people, and to add insult to injury, killed himself. There’s no one to beat up, there’s no one to scream at, nothing. There are fingers pointing in a million directions, a lonely student that was so filled with rage that he exploded. Was it only a matter of time?
I don’t know how to fix the problem — all I know is that it hurts. Having lost many people over the years (including close friends that were murdered), I still am left with one question: How do we keep this from happening?
We. really. don’t. know.
Today is not a fashion day. Today is a day for thought.
I could not be the bearer of such terrible news to a parent that waits for the day their child comes back home to them, fresh out of college and ready to take on the world.
I am terribly sorry, to those that are burying their children, as well as those that are left with children scrambling to figure out how to move on, how to get past that terrible day. It would be half-baked to exclude them from the list.
To the family of the shooter, you too have lost a child, and for that I am sorry. I pray that the other families will give you peace — you are not your child’s actions.
For the rest of the world, we are left with questions, left with quiet glances at our own children, and constant wonder about what else life will throw at us. Virginia Tech could have easily been Missouri State, could have easily been Duke, or Harvard, or Yale. It could have been your local community college. Maybe that’s why the story touches so many people.
I’ll post tomorrow, but I can’t right now.
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dee·lux·GRRL n.An intelligent, dynamic female who isn't afraid to take risks, take time for herself, or create her own unique style!
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