The Pretty Pear

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.

Glam it up with Sydney's Closet

Gosh, December is just flying by, isn't it? By now, you're probably wrapping up the final details on holiday parties and get togethers. Maybe you're totally prepared and have all of your cute little outfits all planned out. Or maybe you have no idea what to wear and you're running around like a crazed chicken? Right now would be a really good time to check out Sydney's Closet Holiday Collection. They've pulled a bunch of looks from their huge selection of plus size formal wear just for the holidays. They have approximately one billion dresses on their site but here are a couple that I love.

Galaxy Dress
You have to click through and view the close up of this dress, it's so pretty. At $270, it's on the spendy side but you're paying for beautiful details like the gorgeous hand beaded lace. This dress is available in sizes 4 - 34 and has built in bra cups so you don't have to worry about a bra.

Black Forest Dress
Ok so, I like ruffles. Not over the top, lacey, insane ballerina ruffles but pretty, understated, elegant yet whimsical ruffles. I love the simplicity of this dress but I do feel like it needs something, maybe a skinny belt at the waist or pretty shawl. Oh! Wrist length gloves! That'd be so freakin' CHIC. Ahem. Anyway, this dress comes in other colors besides black (crimson, navy, etc.) and is available in sizes 0 - 44.

 

Gorgeous dress from Monif C.

A lot of visitors end up here while searching for designer plus size clothing. Of course, there are high end designers who make clothes in plus sizes. Unfortunately, it's almost always in conjunction with a misses line. Basically, an after thought. It seems like someone out there knows that plus size women have cash to spend, so they whip up a few pieces and put them into the department stores. A lot of it is fabulous and beautiful and drool-worthy. A lot of it... not so much.

I think we deserve a little more than that. Actually, I think we deserve a lot more than that but y'know, baby steps. If I was looking for high end clothes and had some money to spend, I'd be more likely to give that money to a designer who designed for plus sizes, not as an after thought.

One such designer is Monif C. I know you've heard of Monif C's line, either here or on other plus size sites. I dropped everything* to write this post when I spotted this silk charmeuse dress on the Monif C. website.

I might be on some kind of weird satiny dress kick but let's be honest, color looks so much more brilliant when the fabric has sheen. It's gorgeous. Aside from that, the wrap neckline and empire waist are flattering on many different body types. The sleeves have the ruffle detail that's on-trend but not so over the top that it'll look dated in three weeks. The length is neither too long nor too short and the fabric itself has a bit of spandex for the best possible fit. The whole package is just fantastic.

The $300 price tag is pretty spendy for a lot of people but if I had the cash and needed a dress that's to die for, I'd pick this one.

* Ok, I was just watching TV.

So very glam!

I've found so many pretty looks for the holiday season and it's not even December yet. Here are just a few but expect more in the days to come.

Satin charmeuse wrap dress
Look at that color. Do you see it? Oh my God. I love the wrap style and the cuffed sleeves but the star of this show is that color. It's also comes in classic black and brown but c'mon, BLUE! It's available in sizes 10/12 through 30/32 from Kiyonna for $146.

Shantung dress
This is the quintessential little black dress - timeless, versatile, reliable. You can dress it up with sparkly jewelry and heels for a party, or wear a jacket over it for work. Lane Bryant always has coupons, so that can knock the price down even more. Available in sizes 14 - 28 for $80 from Lane Bryant.

Robbie Bee Sleeveless Dress
Another beautiful dress in a gorgeous color, deep raspberry this time. I like the teeny little animal print detail at the waist and the longer length is perfect for formal occasions. One thing to look for with sleeveless dresses is wide straps - you can wear a real, supportive bra instead of trying to hoist yourself into a strapless thing. This Robbie Bee dress is available in sizes 14 - 24 from Nordstrom for $98.

I know not everyone likes to wear dresses and skirts. First of all, it's cold outside! Second, you might just be more comfortable and confident in pants. Pants can be totally appropriate for dressy occasions if you keep in mind fabric and details. Cotton really doesn't dress up (obviously) so go for more flowy fabrics like silk and poly blends.

I chose these tuxedo pants from IGIGI for the velvet pattern along the side of the leg, which is reminiscent of the satin stripe on men's tuxedo pants (hence the name). You can pair the pants with any number of tops and jackets for several events over the holiday season and beyond. They're available in black and cobalt blue, sizes 14/16 - 30/32 for $79 from IGIGI.

This jacket wants to come live with me

I'm hoping this black satin trench coat from Torrid will go on sale soon. I'm trying to be good and not buy things I don't need but that's one cute jacket. It's not too jazzy for daytime and it'd be really perfect with trousers for a special night out. And y'know, the holidays are coming. Perfect party outfit jacket!

I probably wouldn't get a ton of wear out of it before it got too cold so I'm resisting. But! If you live in a warmer climate, you might wear it all the time. Every day! And then you can let me borrow it.

Monday quick picks!

Black vinyl leggings, $24 from Torrid
I don't know if I'm in love with these, horrified by them, or both. As Tim Gunn would say, they're "a lot of look." They are quite Beth Ditto-ish so if you're dressing as her for Halloween, then you've found the bottom half of your outfit. I just gave myself a costume idea...

Cashmere short sleeve sweater, $70 from Old Navy
Old Navy has three cashmere sweater styles on their website currently. I like this updated short sleeve version the best. I see it with herringbone or pinstripe brown trousers for work or jeans and flats for casual days. I'm a little obsessed with cashmere and I might actually break down and buy myself a sweater this year. I say that every year, though.

Labyrinth Bowling Bag, $50 from Wrapables
I'm lusting after this bag big time. I love black and white prints like this and the extra large size (18" x 12") makes it great for so many uses, including:

• Overnight bag
• Laptop bag
• Carry on bag
• Why do I have so much stuff? bag

And there are matching cosmetic bags for even more of your stuff.

Swing into Fall!

You're going to hate me for that post title in about two seconds.

Swing jackets! They're all over the place right now. I haven't tried anything swingy on but my guess is that the silhouette would be better suited on an apple shaped figure than a pear shaped figure, or anyone with proportionately slimmer hips and thighs. I have a feeling that the width right above the hip would make me look boxy but would look retro fabulous on a woman with narrower hips.

Having said that, after looking at a few swingy pieces on the internet, I think it's a very cute look. My mother will be sure to point out that she had a jacket just like that in the year 196whatever and that she should have kept all her old clothes! Yes, mother, you should have.

We have that exact discussion quite often because, as it turns out, every last thing she's ever worn has come right back into style. I really dread the day that designers start parading models around in acid washed, tight rolled jeans and crispy bangs. If they haven't already...

Anyway, I digress. Swing jackets! Let's take a look.

More gray! Let's talk dresses.

If you're looking for an easy, versatile way to update your wardrobe for fall, a charcoal gray dress might just be the perfect solution. With the right accessories, a good dress can go to work, out to dinner, to lunch on the weekend, to church, to a job interview, etc. After the cut is a complete, head to toe look that uses a menswear-inspired gray dress as the centerpiece.

More gray, with a side of plum

Along with gray, another big color for fall is plum (or wine, burgundy, etc.) This is a color combo that I'm particularly fond of. Black is a good basic but to bring out the richness of a deep jewel tone, I think a lighter shade like charcoal is a more sophisticated choice. After the cut are some of my picks from Lane Bryant - a day to evening look and a casual outfit for running around on the weekend.

Fall trend: gray!

Yes, gray. See Michael Kors' Fall 2007 collection for inspiration. The nice thing about color trends, as opposed to style trends, is that they translate very easily to plus sized clothes. Gray is a wonderful neutral and it goes nicely with both warm and cool tones. Gray doesn't have to be dull if you pair it with bright, happy colors like Mr. Kors' use of yellow and electric blue or with rich jewel tones that are always so lovely for fall.

Over the next few days, I'll be putting together plus sized outfits using Kors' gray color story as an inspiration. The first look is after the cut.

Some recent picks

I picked up this black short sleeve wrap jacket ($48) on my last trip to Torrid. It was a whim but I'm glad I tried it on because hello, cute and versatile. It buttons on the inside, has a cute tie to the side and a little peplum detail on the back. The cotton/spandex blend is light and comfy and the length is just right for layering with a longer cami. I picked up this teal green cami ($16) but the layering possibilities are limitless. Speaking of Torrid's camis, I love them. I have a lot of tanks and camis for layering and Torrid's are my favorite.

I've been staring wistfully at this Holly Aiken bag for, I don't know, months now. I want it, bad. Aside from the cute black and white print and a unique but practical shape, it's made of vinyl so it's animal-friendly, too. It's $104, which is more than I've ever spent on a bag, but after staring at it for so long, I'm pretty sure I really, really do want it.

Continuing with my love of black and white prints is this roundabout print ruched-sleeve blouse ($40) from Lane Bryant. I've always liked LB's cotton/spandex blend blouses for their versatility and overall quality and I really love this one. The sleeves are ruched a bit and the print is subtle but visually interesting. It comes with a belt in the same fabric but I like it better with a wider belt either in black or a bold color like red or pink as an accent.

I'm already looking forward to fall and these updated pumps by Vaneli ($109) from Zappos are perfect for that transition. They're open and airy but the deep raspberry suede lends itself to cooler weather. They also come in black suede but I like the punch of color. They're available in wide widths, of course.

Weekly Picks: My favorite time of year

I love this time of year. It's getting chilly, the leaves are showing new color, and nothing sounds better than a warm cup of tea and a snuggly blanket. But you might have to leave the comfort of your couch and brave the cold, so you'll be needing some warm clothes. I'm just excited because here in Chicago, we're already deep into sweater season.

The Eddie Bauer website describes this Long-Sleeve V-Neck Cotton/Modal/Cashmere Sweater as "luxurious" and considering the fiber content, I'd certainly hope so. And it's on sale for $40. I imagine this would fit into any woman's closet perfectly. Wear it tweed trousers, please. And maybe a crisp white button up shirt underneath. And a pair of those Louboutin heels with the red soles that I'll never be able to afford. I'll try not to be jealous.

Lane Bryant is already showing pieces from their holiday collection and I am just drooling over these Crushed Velvet Jackets for $99.50. All of the colors look gorgeous but my eye is on the Bluemarine, my favorite color for fall this year. I love jackets because they are so versatile and this one could be dressed up with the coordinating charmeuse skirt or dressed down for a night out with jeans and strappy sandals. Love. It.

I've been seeing cowl necklines all over the place lately and gray is a big color (or non-color, I guess) right now so why not just knock out two trends with one sweater? I'm all about efficiency. This sweater from Old Navy also comes in red, another big color for fall and winter. It has a touch of angora for softness and for $40, it's an affordable treat.

I've been rationing my tube of Bliss Magnolia Body Scrub for a month or two now. It's the most moisturizing body scrub I've ever used. I hardly need lotion after using it. I have very dry skin that craves moisture and exfoliation so this scrub is a real treat. It's definitely a splurge at $30 for 8.5 ounces but it's very much a pampering little treat for you and your skin. There's also a matching Magnolia Moisture Mousse for $32, which I love as well.

Weekly Picks: Tickled Pink!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, this week's picks are all in support of finding a cure!

Bare Necessities has a very special offer - $2 from the sale of every Wacoal bra will be donated to the Susan S. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Wacoal bras are available up to 44G and come in a wide range of styles. If your bra wardrobe is in need of a lift (ha!) now would be a great time to treat yourself to a new one! Bare Necessities also has $5 shipping every day.

For the month of October, Kiyonna will be donating 10% of sales from their Pink Boutique to the Susan S. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. With lots of pretty pink tops, dresses, and lingerie to choose from, this is a good opportunity to dip your toes into Kiyonna if you've been holding back!

Bare Escentuals Pink Passion
If you're very fair like I am, you can use Rose Radiance as a beautiful every day blush. I dust it lightly on the tops of my cheeks and it brightens up my whole face. I'm usually mortified of blush so the fact that I use Rose Radiance every day says a lot! The set also comes with a matching Rose Radiance lipgloss and an all-over face brush. Getting all three items in one set is a great deal and a portion of the proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation! It's also a great way to try Bare Escentuals if you're new to the line.

For more great beauty promotions that support the cause, click over to Product Girl!

One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to click daily at the Breast Cancer Site. Your clicks help to fund free mammograms for women in need. What can be better than that?

Weekly Picks: So Ladylike

Philosophy: Amazing Grace
I wouldn't normally recommend a specific fragrance because I think that a woman's perfume is a highly subjective and personal matter. However, after trying various Amazing Grace products for the past month or two, I cannot rave about them enough. The bodywash, lotion, and perfume are all perfect compliments to each other and even with that kind of layering, the scent is never overwhelming or even obvious. It's subtle, soft and feminine. The only word to describe the scent is "fresh." The first time I wore the perfume, a good friend gave me a hug, sniffed me and said "you smell like a baby!" and then proceeded to bury his face in my neck. It's the kind of scent that draws people closer to you, instead of making them want to run for the hills. I just love it.

I'm really digging these shoes from Irregular Choice. I'm not usually drawn to such "busy" shoes but these are just adorable. I love the beautiful embroidered satin coupled with the strong lines and colors. Wouldn't they be cute with a denim pencil skirt and a simple little sweater? Yes, they would. Best of all? They come in wide widths. Get them at zappos.com.

I poked a little fun at Torrid in my last post, but they do carry some Halloween items that won't make you look like a hooker. I mean, looking like a hooker for Halloween is fine and dandy, but maybe not in the days before Halloween. Instead, I'd prefer a cute pair of orange and black panties, like those seen on the left. I have the same pair in green with pink lace and they do run a little big, so order a size down.

Weekly Picks: Fall is coming!

I'm going to try something new here. Each week, I'll share some stuff that I'm lusting after - clothes, accessories, shoes, etc. Basically I just need another excuse to stalk cute stuff online. I'm calling it "Weekly Picks" because I'm not very creative.

First, I want you to go all visit my friend Carla's blog, Product Girl. She's like me and clothes but with makeup so you know she's hardcore. She convinced me to do a series of guest posts about philosophy products and I'm glad she did because the first step towards recovery is admitting that you have a problem. I too am a product girl.

Anyway, it's getting just a little nippy here in Chicago. Maybe not nippy enough for fuzzy sweaters just yet, but I have been rockin' a super cute denim jacket that I scored for $17 at Old Navy. They're sold out of the jacket I have but the one on the left is on sale for $30. I'm not one to wear a denim jacket with a pair of jeans, that's a lot of denim for me. But I have seen lots of girls around here wearing both and, if done right, it's super cute. I prefer to wear it with a pair of olive green crop pants and a tank top. It's easy, it's cute, and it looks pretty pulled together. I also like a denim jacket over a simple knit dress.

It's not cold yet but I'm starting my hunt for cashmere early this year. I always say I'm going to treat myself to a yummy cashmere sweater but it hasn't happened yet. This is my year! This pretty sweater from Land's End is $99 and comes in 8 colors. I've got my eye on the kelly green.

Speaking of pretty, Kiyonna consistently has really pretty items, especially their new tops and dresses for early Fall. I'm especially fond of the Solid Banded Empire Tee in Peacock Teal for $48. I just love that color and the cut looks very flattering. I'd probably wear it with dark denim jeans but imagine it with brown or tweed trousers for the office. So pretty! I've never ordered from Kiyonna, so I'm interested to see if anyone leaves a comment to share their experience! They're also having a pretty sweet end of season sale.