The Pretty Pear

Guilty as charged

The Dreaded Weigh-In -  New York Times Blog.

University of Pennsylvania researchers say they believe some women may be avoiding the doctor just to avoid being weighed in front of other people.

I haven't been to a doctor in a long time, longer than I'm willing to admit here out of pure embarrassment. I'm going to blame my pediatrician who tried to shame me into a diet of skim milk and lettuce before I had even reached puberty. But I'm an adult now and I should know better and stand up for myself. Fear and shame shouldn't be what kills me someday.

Right Fit denim capris!

Yay! Another Right Fit item from Lane Bryant! Just in time for spring, they're offering denim capris in the Right Fit sizing. What's really awesome (well, for me) is the 21" inseam. A lot of capris are more like crops on me so I'm happy to see a shorter inseam on these.

I know a lot of "fashion experts" gag at the very sight of capri pants because they're not super flattering but you know what? It gets hot and a lot of women prefer capris instead of shorts or skirts. I happen to be one of them. Get over it!

I'm excited that Lane Bryant is continuing to expand the Right Fit collection. I was a little worried that they'd come out with the jeans and that'd be it but nope! There are already three styles of jeans, two styles of pants, and now the denim capris. Awesome.

$20 off at Kiyonna + new denim!

Now through March 18th, save $20 off a purchase of $175 at Kiyonna, plus they offer free ground shipping on orders over $150. I bought the green top in the image and it's so vibrant and the material is ultra soft and comfortable. I highly recommend it, especially if you have some tummy you'd like to camouflage a bit. The gathering is very strategic! Kiyonna also has a new line of denim that looks promising.

Spring jackets + packing that suitcase!

Inz asks:

Help! I'm on the hunt for a cute, light-weight trench that will go with everything and wont get too wrinkled being packed in a suitcase. I tried on one from Target (beige and brown polka dots, REALLY cute, I think everyone needs to go try this on) but it didn't work for me because it was too tight in the arms, and it was a bit heavier than what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Also, how about some tips for packing for a trip? I'm leaving for a two week trip to Europe in a month. I don't know if I should try to focus on dresses, or just pack jeans and tops, how many pairs of shoes, it's all overwhelming me. Any tips or advice would be awesome.

I've seen that trench at Target and it is really cute!

Anyway, this is a good time of year to shop for lightweight outerwear. About a month ago, I picked up a really nice, longish, black jacket from Macy's. It's not a trench style (no belt) but it's lightweight and has a bit of an A line cut so the fit is just right. I don't think it's on their website but I'd check to see if there are others you like. I've been a little ambivalent about Macy's in the past (I am a Chicago girl, after all) but I always end up finding things I like when I go there. Nordstrom has several nice trench styles as well.

Now, as for packing, I've never had to prepare for an extended trip but based on the packing I've had to do, I can offer some tips anyway.

I honestly start with shoes. Crazy, right? But here's why: you have to think about what you'll be doing when you're on your trip and your footwear will play into this more than anything. If you're going to be walking a lot, you'll need comfortable, supportive shoes and building cute outfits around walking shoes can be tough. But if it's more of a business related trip, you'll likely need more formal shoes that don't necessarily have to be suitable for walking.

Note about questions & the Think Tank

I've fallen so behind on answering your questions. If you've left a comment there or have sent me an email and you're waiting for a response, please be patient, I will get to as many as I can. I love getting questions so keep them coming. There just aren't enough hours in the day sometimes! Also, I do enjoy putting together full outfits so if there's an item you can't figure out how to wear or you need specific examples of outfits for a certain scenario, leave a comment about that, too.

Tomorrow is the Think Tank! I'm really looking forward to meeting new fat acceptance folks and having a fun few hours sharing ideas. If you can't be there, Paul will be Twittering the event, so you can follow right along.

Some random stuff...

This adorable Angry Owl necklace from ModCloth is only 15 bucks. The chain is plenty long, which is vital for plus sizes but not always easy to find. ModCloth doesn't carry plus size clothing but their accessories are so cute, I can forgive them.

I was at Target recently and picked up a pair of these Converse One Star sneakers in brown. I've had Converse sneakers in the past that I loved but were too narrow to wear for more than five seconds at a time. These run much wider and are so comfortable, I'm thinking about ordering another pair in charcoal gray. I got them in a size 8 and I usually wear an 8.5 in sneakers, so they run a little big. $30 for a pair of classic sneakers that actually fit my wide feet? Happy me!

Speaking of happy, check out these fun Tray 6 Umbrellas from wishingfish,com. It looks like several of the designs are temporarily sold out but my favorite, the gray with the little birdies, is still available. These are way cooler than my boring black umbrella. Hrmph!

I have this Nebula clutch by IMOOI in black and it's the perfect size and shape for a simple but unique clutch. It's faux leather and ultrasuede but it looks and feels like the real thing. The wrist strap is great and reduces the chances of me leaving the bag sitting somewhere. The red is more interesting but I needed a simple (but not boring) black clutch that goes with everything.

I haven't seen these Haddie Slingbacks from Payless in person but I get so excited when I spot cute shoes in wide widths! Especially when they're only $20. Have I mentioned my love for polka dots? These would be so perfect with a dress for the summer or capri pants all 50s style. Don't forget the bright red toenail polish!

If you're looking to update your handbag for Spring, eBags is having a 20% off sale through tonight at midnight MST.

Chicago fat bloggers in the RedEye!

The RedEye ran a series of fat acceptance articles in today's paper. I was very happy to be interviewed for one, can you guess which?

Fat vs. Fiction
"Bloggers are challenging what healthy means, embracing their weight in growing online niche"
Kate Harding and Paul from Big Fat Blog are in this one and they're as eloquent as always. Meme Roth... well, she's consistent. Does she have a Bat Phone or something?

Plus-size phat fashion
"Online, more choices for plus-size women abound."
If you guessed that I was quoted in this one, you were right.

The F-word
"Some welcome the term 'fat'"
With big, fat, open arms!

Beyond the basic tee

Sara asks:

I am a stay-at-home mother of two, and I want to know a couple pieces that can improve my "jeans-and-tee" look. I have a really hard time spending money on myself, so it kinda has to last a while, and look good.

Sara, we must have some kind of psychic connection because when you submitted this question, I was in the middle of writing a post about this very topic.

I'm a casual kind of girl. Most days, I'm in some sort of knit top and jeans. But you will very rarely see me in a plain ol' cotton crewneck tee. This is mostly because those cute, clever, trendy t-shirts don't come in "big girl" sizes and the men's shirts are boxy. Instead, I look for knit tops that are casual but effortlessly stylish. Plus, if you have a collection of cute knit tops, it makes dressing way easy. Throw on a top, jeans, cute shoes, simple accessories and you're done.

I have some general rules when it comes to tees:

1. When a tee is worn out or noticeably faded, get rid of it. Tees tend to be on the inexpensive side so don't hang onto them when they're past their prime. It helps if you take good care of them in the laundry.
2. Color! Pattern! Something!
3. Pay attention to shape. I like close fitting but not tight tops with interesting sleeves, simple seaming details, etc. A little spandex helps to hold shape so you're not drooping and stretched out by mid-afternoon. Avoid anything boxy and instead opt for shirts that hug your curves.
4. I prefer non-crewneck necklines, like V necks and wider U necklines. This is mostly a comfort issue because crewnecks feel restrictive to me but it also helps lengthen the neck and all that.
5. Length is also important. Too short can look awkward and too long can make me look shorter. I aim for hip-length or just a little longer.

Basically, we're talking about knit tops that fall into the "tee" category but aren't the standard crewneck t-shirt. They can often be dressed up or down depending on the outfit and accessories. The easiest way to update your wardrobe is with color. Bright yellow, electric blue, and leaf green are always big for spring but any bright color that you like can instantly add life to your closet.

My favorite knit tops that I own are from Kiyonna and Lane Bryant. Kiyonna is excellent for good quality knit tops that fit like a dream and are comfortable, very comfortable. Lane Bryant always had a big selection of tees and tops in a whole range of styles and colors and they're always very affordable.

I hope that helps, Sara!

Have a question? Ask me here!

Happy Valentine's Day, puppies!

I know, I know. All the cool kids hate Valentine's Day and I kind of do, too but... not really. How can I hate pink hearts and chocolate and random proclamations of adoration? I do happen to have a boyfriend but if I didn't, I still wouldn't hate Valentine's Day all that much.

Maybe it'd be different if I worked in an office and had to watch all of the other cubicle monkeys relish in their roses and candies? I probably wouldn't even mind that so much as long as they shared their candy with me. I would be annoyed with the ubiquitous perky lady who would pretend to feel sorry for me because I'm single and SO ALONE. But the joke's on you, perky lady because I can buy my own damn candy!

Ahem.

Well, whatever. I'm making a conscious effort to be a more positive person, which is hard when you're as cynical and sarcastic as I am. But sitting around and brooding and cursing because of one Hallmark holiday is not healthy!

So instead, today is a day of thanks and thankfulness. I am thankful for all of you, who comment on each post and ask questions and are as enthusiastic about a clearance sale as I am. Have a happy Valentine's Day, or at least find the strength to white knuckle your way through it without clobbering someone with a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Download Women & Money for free!

Suze Orman is my financial hero and I love her. I have her Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke and it's really taught me a lot about my own money. Suze appeared on today's Oprah and as a special treat, they're giving away Suze's book Women & Money as a free download on the Oprah website until tomorrow evening. Get it here. If you've never read any of Suze's books this is a really great opportunity to learn from a pro and take control of your money.

50% off clearance at Torrid

Is it only Wednesday? I'm ready for the weekend, y'all, seriously. Winter just makes me tired, I guess. Anyway, Torrid is having their 50% off clearance sale through February 18th.

Great deals at Silhouettes Outlet

Silhouettes really knows how to do an outlet the right way. Everything is marked way, way down and there are a ton of good items. Here are some pieces that I like.

Left to right:
Cotton print tunic marked down to $17 from $44.
Crossover dress marked down to $40 from $90.
Vintage leather boot marked down to $75 from $130.
Plaid Skirt marked down to $20 from $40.

Lane Bryant Tinley Park Memorial Fund

Lane Bryant Announces the Establishment of the Lane Bryant Tinley Park Memorial Fund

Lane Bryant has announced the establishment of The Lane Bryant Tinley Park Memorial Fund to honor the lives and memories of the five women who lost their lives on February 2, 2008 in Tinley Park. The Memorial Fund is being administered through Harris Bank, and is intended to provide financial assistance to the immediate families of the victims.

There's information on how to make a contribution at the linked site above.

Plus size glam on What Not to Wear

I'm watching What Not to Wear right now and the participant on this episode is a plus size woman whose wardrobe really needed some serious help. She visited the Monif C. boutique and only bought one dress. I'm not sure how she managed to only buy one! She then visited Lee Lee's Valise with Stacy and Clinton and bought a mound of goodies to go with the nine pairs of shoes she purchased on day one. I spotted this Kiyonna dress in red and it looks awesome on her!

I'm a little jealous.

TLC reruns new episodes of WNTW on the following Saturday morning if you want to catch it! If not, they'll rerun it a million more times. The participant's name is Kathy, from Norfolk.

Look! Fancy new dresses at Torrid!

I sometimes wonder if I'm maybe a little too old for Torrid but y'know... naaah! A lot of what they sell is aimed at younger women but there are pieces that are definitely appropriate for women who are older. It's just a matter of picking pieces that aren't too juvenile and wearing them in a more grown up way.

I've noticed new dresses popping up like spring flowers on the Torrid website and I'm hoping there are more to come. Let's look...

Black, yellow and white floral print halter dress
I love really bold, graphic prints like this and the splash of yellow is just the right color to welcome spring. If you can't wait until it's warm to wear this, pair it with very opaque black tights, simple black heels and a black or white cardigan.

Black, white and pink floral border dress
This dress wants to go to a spring or summer wedding, especially if it happens to be a daytime or semi-casual reception. You can't tell from this image, but the bust is polka dot patterned with a satin sash that ties in the back.

Black and white daisy tube dress
Noticing the trend with black and white prints? If you click through and look at the close up of this dress, there's a verrrry subtle green piping and buttons at the bust. This one could also be worn with a cardigan but I'd go with color, like teal or turquoise. Pair it with flip flops for a casual day or with wedge sandals or heels for a night out.

Check out more new dresses at Torrid here. Don't forget that you can save $20 off a $100 purchase through the 10th with the code 20off100.