Mad Fashion

Left: Erin Pencil Dress / Right: Pin-Up Gingham Dress

Mad Men is wildly popular these days and unless you live under a rock, you've at least seen a promo photo or commercial for the smash hit. Although I don't actually watch the show (I'll get into it, I swear) its hard to miss the absolutely stunning wardrobe and styling. It isn't exactly easy recreating 50s/60s fashion on a fat body like mine. Lets face it, sizing was quite different back then and nabbing those pieces I've fallen in love with seems impossible, right? Wrong! I've done some hunting over the past months for vintage inspired clothing thats "plus size" friendly so that now you can dress like your favourite TV characters! To the right is an outfit I sloppily put together for what I'd imagine to be a picnic going outfit. I can already picture myself packing up a wicker basket full of sweets, sandwiches and fruits for a day spent relaxing at one of my favourite parks. With summer nearly here, I'm so inspired and excited to put together some sickly sweet ensembles for the smouldering days. I've accepted that my style changes with the seasons.  To the left is one of the dresses I have been eying for months now from amazing designer, Heart My Closet. I feel a little silly admitting how many scenarios I've dreamt up around this piece; dining in style with my fella, watching The Nutcracker on stage, or even just a night out on the town. Day time or night, I've got you covered! 

Black & White

First and foremost, happy mother's day!! For those of you who celebrate this day, I'm wishing you well and I'm also wishing those with complicated mother/child relationships well too. Either way, I hope everyone is having a good/moderately well day!

I've talked about Eshakti in the past so I'm sure you're all well aware of how much I love them. Just in case you aren't though, I'll refresh your memory. I'm absolutely head over heels for this place. Eshakti does and has everything I could ever want from an online shop. A wide range of sizes, vintage inspired pieces, constant deals and discount codes, optional customization (at only $7.50 more) and more! I was so honoured and giddy when I was asked to review one of their spring dresses but narrowing it down to just one item was extremely difficult. I'm glad I picked this black and white dress, though. It was absolutely perfect to wear on a dinner date with my boyfriend and I know I'll be wearing it everywhere this summer. Another perfect piece from this gem of a store! Something tells me my summer wardrobe will be at least 75% Eshakti.

Dress - c/o Eshakti

Knee Highs - Rexall

Shoes - Thrifted

Lady in Mesh

 

Oof, its been awhile but whats new? The seasons are changing and I feel way more inspired to take care of this blog and to actually get on outfit posts. This is a promise that I'll be (at least attempting) posting more! 

One of the very first things I did when it started warming up outside was find a way to wear this absolutely perfect mesh bodysuit that I was sent by the lovely Shawna (of Chubby Cartwheels). I'm sure a lot of you remember my post awhile back featuring one of her velvet skirts and just how much I adored the ever loving crap out of it. I'm a huge fan of Shawna's line and just her as a person. She's been such an immensely important part of the fashion scene and I'm so very happy to see her label take off! As expected, the body suit was even better than I expected in person. Its so comfy, stretchy and really well made. I never expect anything less than quality from Chubby Cartwheels and I am never, ever disappointed. 

In other really excited news, I had the pleasure of meeting some of meeting a few of my fashion blogger icons; Gabi Fresh and Marie Denee. Addition Elle was kind enough to fly them out for the launch of their flagship store in Toronto this past month and it was just a dream getting to see them in person. They're just as sweet and even more beautiful in person! 

Mesh Bodysuit - c/o Chubby Cartwheels

Skirt - Penningtons

Necklace - Aldo

Shoes - Walmart

Get The Parisian Look

Paris is often nicknamed the ‘fashion capital of the world’ and if you’ve been to the beautiful City of Light yourself, it’s easy to see why. If, on the other hand, you have never been to the romantic city or experienced the marvellous Paris Fashion Week, there is no reason why you can’t get the look of a fabulously stylish Parisian using the best of the British high street.

The Parisian look is all about class, traditional and timeless elegance, and effortless style. It’s easy to pull off if you follow these basic guidelines and look to some of France’s biggest stars for inspiration. Audrey Tautou, Brigitte Bardot and Marion Cotillard are such women who ooze sophistication and embody the very essence of Parisian chic.

Whether you’re after petite or plus size clothing available in the UK, Parisian fashion can flatter any figure with its fitted jackets, smart boots and figure hugging dresses.

Clothes

To achieve the look, the clothes you wear are obviously vital. Smart button down shirts can be teamed with fitted knee length skirts for a look that is svelte and smooth.

Striped or monochrome print dresses can make a desirable edition to any Parisian wardrobe and can offer a versatile option to those with busy schedules and those who have to dash between work and play. If you’re spending your days in board meetings and evenings wining and dining in the city, achieving that Champs Elysees look doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Blazers and fitted jackets are great additions to the trend, and can be draped over the shoulders for a feminine and girly edge.

By day, heels should be kept to a minimum. By night the bar can be raised, but make sure you can walk in your chosen pair. Nothing should stop you from getting from your shopping trip at the Galeries Lafayette to the Théâtre des Abbesses in time for your date.

Don’t forget to accessorize with a silk scarf or stylish belt to complete the look and give it a personal touch.

Hair and Makeup

The key to achieving Parisian beauty is to opt for a look which is minimal and somewhat barefaced. A subtle concealer or foundation is ideal, providing the shades match your skin tone perfectly.

A sleek mascara can add even more class to the look, as can a hint of blush or splash of lip colour. Be wary of going overboard by trying a bit of everything at once. A minimal palette is optimum and any bright colours should complement the clothes you’ve chosen.

When it comes to your hair, natural and seemingly effortless beauty is the secret once again. Keep your hair loose and tussled. Think tumbling locks rather than being restricted in a tight pony tail or poker straight. 

Peek-a-Boo!

I haven't been feeling awfully creative these days so I've been trying to space out a lot of my old outfit posts. With school, constant cleaning and what feels like an endless winter I've had almost 0 motivation to really start trying something new. I don't know about everyone else but I'm just about ready to let go of these old, gloomy days. As I write this there's another big snowstorm outside my window!

Back when there wasn't snow up to my knees I could play around a bit more with my ensembles. I miss getting to wear flats and shoes that weren't bulky boots! As I'm sure you can tell these photos are kinda old but they're giving me hope for brighter, less wet days. Ps, I'm totally loving pairing black and white together. It seems really basic and simple but its so much fun to play up such a classic colour combination! 

Also readers, Eshakti was kind enough to make a 20% off coupon code just for you!! Use it on any order before March 10th! Don't forget to sign up for your $25 coupon too!! AND take advantage of free customization

code: BGFSHN101

Cardigan - Thrifted

Dress - Queen of Holloway

Pin - Pork

Tights - We Love Colours

Shoes - Walmart

The London Plus Size Fashion Weekend: a must-visit

2013 will see the very first London Plus Size Fashion Weekend take place, to much fanfare. Held from 15-16^th February – in the heart of the traditional London Fashion Week – this event is an exciting alternative to the usual show, giving plus size fashion a significant, far-reaching platform.

The organisers of the London Plus Size Fashion Weekend say they aim to “enhance, educate, empower, and support” the UK plus size fashion industry. The founder, Remi Ray, first began promoting plus size fashion through her blog, the appropriately titled Trapped in a Skinny World.

According to Remi, she was inspired to start writing because, as a student, she struggled to have her curvier look accepted by her peers. Now, Trapped in a Skinny World is typically viewed by at least 200 readers a day, and offers fantastic insights into the plus size industry.

The weekend promises a huge variety of events, including fashion shows, style master classes, swap shops and discussion panels. It seems that the plus size fashion industry can more than hold its own against the world of traditional fashion, and this success is only bound to increase.

Inspiration for exciting plus size looks is easy to find: Christina Hendricks of Mad Men fame, for example, is a great icon for how to make the most of being curvy. She chooses dresses and skirts that tuck in at the waist to emphasise her hourglass shape. At the premiere of Ginger and Rosa in 2012 she showed that plus size fashion doesn’t have to be dull by sporting a black sequinned midi dress that single-handedly stole all of the red carpet attention.

For anyone who wants to explore a variety of plus size clothing, isme.com has a fantastic selection, including statement going out dresses that can help you to emulate Hendricks’ elegant (and much praised!) red carpet style. Look out for dresses with capped sleeves, lower cut necklines and, of course, the all-important nipped-in waist to make the most of your assets and really accentuate your curves.

Goody Two Shoes

Whoa, its already February and I've only made a few outfit posts in 2013 so far. My new year's resolution should be spending a bit more time on this blog like I used to! I'm sitting on so many post ideas but after 2 years of running this blog, I'm getting a little less inspired to post weekly. What would everyone like to see from me/this place? I really wanna know!

Now ok, onto the outfit portion of this post. I'm having so much fun dressing up for school! Its bringing  out of side of me that I never knew existed. Just last night I received my grade for the first big assignment this semester and I'm proud to say I pulled an A-!! Maybe channeling my inner school girl style has helped me really buckle down and thats the last thing I ever thought I'd say! School was always such a bore for me growing up but now I look forward to days that I have class. But enough about that, I'm supposed to be talking about my outfit, right? Laying the same colour has become one of my favourite things and as you can see, I really played up around with this ensemble. Now I really regret not buying this same skirt in deep blue!

Top - Old Navy

Skirt - Old Navy

Pin - Etsy

Socks - Sock Dreams

Shoes - Wal Mart