Thursday, December 22, 2011

Spark-O-Rama


Although the Christmas presents are yet to be unwrapped, it’s time to think pass Christmas and start preparing to ring in the New Year.  Now before the resolutions go into effect and we anxiously await the clock’s striking of midnight, we’re going to need a few items to prepare for the evening.  One of those items is a FAB dress for whatever New Year's Eve party you’re attending.  I’m already brainstorming on what I have in my closet that I can rock, but one thing for sure is that it will be something sparkly….I mean, if you’ve been paying attention to my posts, you should know by now I love blingy, glittery, and sparkly things. J

Considering Christmas shopping has left me a little monetarily challenged, for shits & giggles, I decided to do some cyber window shopping to see what sparkly things I could’ve possibly gotten had I decided to shop for a NYE dress.


This shimmery silver dress is sure to make its wearer the center of attention at any party.  This one shoulder dress comes in sizes 1-4x.  The asymmetric neckline is detailed with rhinestone embellishments and ruched detailing.  Add some FAB accessories and this dress is a winner.  Purchase directly from www.babyphat.com for $74.00.



Razzle & dazzle them in the Samantha Sequin Dress by Monif C.  This dress is currently in stock in sizes 18/20 & 22/24 for $277.80.  Order directly from Monif C at www.monifc.com.




If you want the bang but not a lot of flash, this low key black DKNY number may be just for you as the sparkle is at a minimum by only being on the front of the dress.  This dress retails for $129.00 in sizes 2-3x.  Order directly from www.bloomingdales.com.

Look FAB, be safe, and don't drink & drive.  

With that said, this will be my final post of 2011 as I have and will continue to be busy with year end work and preparing for the holidays. I started this blog for fun and never imagined it would get an audience outside of a few family members and friends, so you can imagine my surprise to see my audience map showing views from neighboring Canada, to the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and all the way on the other side of the world in Australia.  I am truly honored and appreciate all of you who log on to view my ramblings of materialism and consumerism.

I wish you all a joyous holiday season.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  See you in 2012!

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!



Saturday, December 10, 2011

A Winter Wonderland of Tackiness


As the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of year.  The Christmas season is now upon us bringing all sorts of cheer – decorated trees, gift-giving, egg nog, and who can forgot jolly Ole Saint Nick!  Oh yes, it’s the most wonderful time of year!!

Unfortunately, there is a downside to the Christmas season.  Ebenezer Scrooge is always lurking around to steal your Christmas joy and bring misery to all whom he or she encounters.  But low & behold, there is something else far more sinister than Scrooge that lurks around during this time of year.  Many people fall victim to it year after year. 


It’s hideous.….



It’s unsightly….



Only Baby Jesus and a miracle on 34th Street can protect some people from it…..



The Knitted Nightmare known as the Christmas Sweater. 






What can I say? It’s a monstrosity! So you can imagine my distress when my coworkers approached me about wearing this misuse of yarn to the office holiday party. o-O 

I tried finding a holiday sweater that didn’t look too foolish, but quickly found that there is no such monster.  If it was made to be a Christmas sweater, it never had a fighting chance against those knitting needles to ever be cute.  Therefore, in true fatshionista fashion, I wrapped myself in silver tinseled garland and clipped on a sugar plum and jingle bell corsage to give my proper sweater a festive look.



The pic doesn’t show the garland, but trust me, it was cute!

So as you prepare for your company’s holiday party don’t fall victim to the greatest holiday fashion faux pas of all.  


The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Rainbow Connection


I initially planned on titling this post Knitful Things as this posting features items of  knitted texture, but as I started gathering items to highlight, I noticed they all had one thing in common – colorful hues.  Aside from loving ANYTHING glittery (See: All That Glitters from July 2011) I LOVE all things colorful! I guess as I’ve gotten older, I never shed the fascination that most babies get when you dangle or shake something colorful in their faces.  As I’m shopping, I’m always attracted to the most colorful fabrics and merchandise that any store has to offer.  I remember this time last year, taking a trip to Lane Bryant and falling in love with a colorful knitted cardigan on display at the front of the store on a mannequin.  In typical me fashion, I had to have it.  Problem was the cardigan had been for sale for quite some time, so by the time I caught wind of it, my size was mainly sold out.  I recall jetting to three different Lane Bryants trying to get this sweater with no luck.  My BFF was riding shotgun, so while she called the store in Virginia, I was on my way to another location in Maryland.  Finally I settled on the LB2ME service and received it a week later…..in a size smaller of course since my size was even sold out online.  GRR!



Since I had to get it in a smaller size, it doesn’t fit the way I would like but it’s not tight.  I typically wear it with a colorful t-shirt underneath.  I’m currently snatching up as many camisoles Lane Bryant is currently offering in different shades to double up and wear underneath.

(I tried multiple times to take pics of my sweater but it didn’t photograph the colors well, so luckily I found this pic online.)

And speaking of Lane Bryant, as I thumbed through the recent catalogue, I came across this colorful number:



(Sorry for the super small pic.  I can't enlarge it)

This knitted cowl neck sweater is available in store and online at www.lanebryant.com in 14/16 – 26-28 (sold out online in sizes 22/24 - 26/28) for $69.95.


And since we're talking about knitful things, you can’t leave out winter accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats.  They are a must to combat the cold that is settling into the region, and what better way to make a winter coat or jacket pop with color than this rainbow knitted set.



This colorful knitted trio is from Target and range in pricing from $10.99 - $17.99.  Buy in store or online at www.target.com.

Who says that with the cold comes the dark and drab colors?  Isn't this a wonderful way to stay warm and look vibrant this winter season? Make a Rainbow Connection with one of these items. 

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!


Sunday, November 20, 2011

What I’m Pissed Off About


If you recall, a few weeks ago I blogged about things I was excited about. (See: What I’m Excited For from November 1, 2011) One of the things I was excited for was the debut of the Versace for H&M line.  I had already resigned myself to the fact that the pickings would be slim because nothing would be available in plus sizes, but I was very content with nabbing a few accessories.  I mainly had my eyes on this studded black leather Versace bag.




I had planned on using this as a little going out/club bag since it’s small enough to hold all my night on the town essentials, and the $110 price is a far cry from the Chanel Wallet On Chain which I also covet for this very same purpose.



*takes deep breath*




The start of my pisstivity began a week ago as I started plotting my strategy to obtain an item from this limited edition collection.  As H&M does not cater to the plus size market, the store was never on my radar, so as I navigated the website, I learned that not only was the Versace line only being carried at select stores, there is no such monster as online shopping for its U.S. customers. The hell? 

The following day, I called the nearest H&M to learn that in the ENTIRE DMV the only H&M that was getting the line was the flagship store in DC.  I was also warned to get there before sunrise to get in line because havoc was expected.  As I started having flashbacks of the Missoni for Target collection, (See: The Madhouse Created by Missoni from September 2011), I realized that this was going to be much worse since there was only one location in the area to buy the collection.  To make matters worse, I learned that the shopping experience will come with rules. Yes RULES! Shoppers would only be allotted 10 minutes to shop and could only purchase two items from the collection.  This was turning into bullshittery of epic proportions....and speaking of bullshit, the two item restriction was only in the U.S.!


Clearly the two item limit didn’t pertain to shoppers in London.  Note the multiple bags! (Yes, I am salty!!)

When the line debuted at 8:00am in the U.S. yesterday, I was fast asleep.  I didn’t bother waking early to partake in Mission Impossible.  Luckily I didn’t because I called the store later in the day and learned that the line was sold out by 9:30am.  So no Versace for me.   A shopaholic’s heart is very heavy about this missed opportunity, and what really makes me angry are the people who really didn’t want the items, who only wanted to use this as an opportunity to make a fast buck.  eBay is now flooded with marked up Versace for H&M items, and of course the same $110 bag I wanted is now being resold for $300.  To those people I say, if you don't want the items for yourself, leave them in the store for the people who really want and plan to use them. 

Lets just file this entire experience under #pissed shall we!

But never fear, another high/low collaboration is coming soon.  Word on the fashion streets is a possible collaboration between Tom Ford and H&M.  We shall see....

No happy shopping for me ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!


Friday, November 11, 2011

Because, Marc Jacobs Said So

This past spring, when Marc Jacobs debuted his F/W 2011-12 Women’s Wear line, you could see his muse was the Armed Forces.  The models strutted down the runway in military-inspired jackets and coats, showcasing what may be one of fall’s hottest trends.  At first, I wasn’t sold on the military look because I thought it was too masculine, but the more lines I saw with military-inspired pieces, I warmed up to the trend.  I was soon on the hunt for something military-esque so that I could hop on the bandwagon.

With looking for something military-styled, I officially crossed the pond to shop!  I came across a military jacket at Yours Clothing in the U.K.


This jacket screams I’m solider! It reminds me of the Marines dressier uniform jacket.  I had to have it…. and I got it this past spring.  Whenever I slip I on, I feel so “girls, who run this mutha! This is such a great piece to wear with jeans and boots.  This jacket comes in sizes 14-32 and retails for $71.10.  Order directly from Yours Clothing at www.yoursclothing.co.uk or if you’re in the U. K. (shout-out to my UK readers, I see you on my audience map, thank you!) Stop in at your nearest Yours Clothing boutique at its many location around the Kingdom. 

Also, from Yours (and on my wishlist) is this wool Military Coat also for $71.10 which comes in black, grey, and olive green.  Sizes vary depending on color, but it comes in 14-24. 


You don't have to join the Armed Forces to look the part. All you have to do is find the right pieces.  You don't have to take my word for it, Marc Jacobs already said so.

Before I close out this posting, I thought earlier today the irony of this week’s blog post subject and the day I had time to complete it for publishing and how it coincides with the Veteran’s Day holiday.  In a few weeks, the first of many U.S. troops will start withdrawing from Iraq and return home.  Unfortunately, all who were called to duty won’t return.  I salute you and appreciate you and your efforts.  As the daughter of a Marine, I truly say, Happy Veteran’s Day!

Semper Fi ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What I’m Excited For

November is here and boy did this year go by fast!  Now that the candy has been passed out and the Halloween decorations are packed away, it’s time to start preparing for the Holiday Season 2011. 

Typically November is the month where we give thanks for everything blessed upon us – home, job, family, friends, good fortune, etc.  This November has me very excited about a few things as it is shaping up to be a good month….FASHION WISE!  So before I start giving thanks for what I have, let me share with you a few things I'm excited for!



Today, The Limited launched it new plus size line Eloquii, which offers the same trendy and professional clothing found at The Limited but in sizes 14-24.   Items range in prices from $29.20 shirts to $148.00 dresses.  Currently, Eloquii is only a virtual store but plans for standalone stores are scheduled to open in late 2012.  To check out items from Eloquii, visit their website at http://www.eloquii.com/.




Last week, Eddy & Bri opened the virtual doors to its online boutique which offers trendy, fashion-forward clothing in sizes 1x-3x.  On November 15th, the store will launch its extended size line in sizes 4x-6x.  I have come across so many pieces on the site that I am DYING to have.  What’s so great about Eddy & Bri is that the clothes are affordable.  No breaking the bank for a fly outfit here!  Can you say Recessionista? Check out what Eddy & Bri has to offer at its virtual store at http://www.eddyandbri.com/.



Years ago, as I started building my bag collection, I coveted a red leather Versus (by Versace) tote bag.  Back then, I wouldn’t dream of paying more than $200 for a bag.  So at that time the tote bag was never meant to be.  Since then, I have built quite a collection of handbags but never added anything Versace to my collection.  I now have plans to change that...BIG plans as Versace is launching its economic downturn friendly line Versace for H&M on November 17th.  The 90-piece line will offer many items from clothing, shoes, bags, scarves, undies, and houseware, all at "reasonable" prices.  For now, check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/25/versace-for-hm-retail-pri_n_1031418.html for a sneak peak and price preview, and on November 17th, stop in at any H&M store or online at http://www.hm.com/us/ to purchase from this collection.

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane…Nope It’s Charlie Brown


Autumn has settled in and with its arrival comes the first official holiday of the season –Halloween.  My fondest Halloween memory is when I was five.  My kindergarten class dressed in our costumes and had a mini-parade for the older kids.  That year, I was Lucy from the Charlie Brown/Peanuts cartoon, but as my class paraded around the playground, I heard a sixth grader say “Hey, look at Charlie Brown.”  Even as a five year old, I was annoyed at the mistaken identity of my costume character.  I was a girl, why would I be wearing a costume of a boy, namely Charlie Brown? It’s funny that this happened 31 years ago, and I remember that costume so vividly, but I cannot remember any other Halloween costume I have worn since then.

As I’ve gotten older, my need to dress up for Halloween has diminished since I’m pretty sure I’d look rather silly treat-or-treating.  I recently got invited to a Halloween Party but RSVP’d “not attending”.  Now I’m kicking myself because I’ve found some awesome costumes.



Transform yourself into the Queen of Nile in this Cleopatra-esque costume, complete with gown and headdress, in sizes 16/18-20/22, at http://www.target.com/, for $39.99. 

*Note: This item is not sold in stores.


Command your own Pirate Ship in this Sexy Captain Swashbuckle costume from http://www.halloweencostumes.com/, currently in stock in size 1/2x for $58.99.  This must be a popular costume with the plus size ladies because the 3/4x sold out since the last time I visited the site.  Arrgh!



If you’re not able to command your own Pirate ship since the costume is sold out in your size, try a Naval ship with this sexy Sailor Girl costume also from http://www.halloweencostumes.com/.  This costume in currently in stock in sizes 1-4x for the price of $39.99.



Torrid asks can you do the can-can? If so, do it in this flirty Can-Can Girl costume for only $33.75.  Unfortunately this must be another hot ticket item as it’s only now available in sizes 1/2x. 





Also by Torrid is this cute Bumble Bee costume, also only in size 1/2x for $33.75.  Both can be purchased in stores or at http://www.torrid.com/

Halloween is only six days away but if you hurry you still have time to snag one of these great costumes.  What’s even better is that no one will mistake you for Charlie Brown.

Happy Shopping and Happy Halloween ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Monday, October 17, 2011

I Taste Just Like Candy


In typical fat girl fashion, I LVoe anything that smells like food.  I’ve found candles that smell like key lime pie, hand soaps that smell like oatmeal raisin cookies, and even a laundry detergent that comes in scents like cheesecake and banana nut bread! Oh Yum! Not only do I like things that smell like food, I like bath products that smell edible as well.  There’s nothing like a warm shower, followed by sweetly scented body crèmes, sprays, and lotions.

A few weeks ago, I wandered into a local Victoria’s Secret shop with a friend.  This isn’t a store I visit frequently as Victoria offers nothing big enough to cover any of my secrets.  As she browsed, I wandered to their Body Care section to sniff body splashes and rub on lotions.  I soon stumbled on their Beauty Rush collection and as I sniffed, I came across this lovely scent…


Candy, Baby

The smell definitely lives up to the name.  It’s very sweet and smells like candy, with notes of spun sugar and warm vanilla.  Yummy yum yum!

The Beauty Rush line also offers other sweetly scented fragrances like Sweet Tease with notes of vanilla cream and berries and also Love Addict which smells of strawberries and almond milk.  These scents come in body splashes, creams, lotions, and shower gels and can be purchased at any Victoria’s secret shop or online at http://www.victoriassecret.com/.  Get them 3 for $25.00. You can even mix & match!

Next is a product that I haven’t used in a few years, but that doesn’t diminish how good it smells.  I even gave a gift set as a Christmas present a few years ago….the bath products from Dylan’s Candy Bar!

Flavors offered are Chocolate Cupcake, Birthday Cake Batter, Strawberry Licorice, and Coconut Bon Bon as scents for sugar scrubs, lip butters, lotions, etc.  Prices range from $3.50 for travel size to $22.00 for regular size products.  Order directly from Dylan’s Candy Bar at http://www.dylanscandybar.com/index.cfm.

Another product that I found which smells simply delicious is Philosophy’s body products.  I first found out about Philosophy when Oprah featured The Gingerbread Man body scrub as one of her favorite things a few years ago.  Since then, I have purchased egg nog and cinnamon rolls scented shower gels, sugar cookie lip balms, and last Christmas a friend gifted me a hot cocoa shower gel that I still use.  Yuuuuuumy!!

This trio set, Under The Big Top, offer scents reminiscent of carnival and circus treats: animal crackers, cotton candy confection, and ice cream.  Philosophy also offers trio sets of berry topped funnel cake scents (Funnel Cake Stand) and milkshake flavors in the trio set Shake, Shake, Shake.  Pick up any of these sets from Philosophy for $25.00 each straight from their website http://www.philosophy.com/.

So with that said, instead of giving away candy for Halloween, smell like it!

Happy Shopping! ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

PINK Is The New BLACK

It’s October and it’s time to paint the town pink!  It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!


Confessions of a Plus Size Shopaholic is excited about shopping for a cause.  Let’s raise funds for awareness, research, treatment, and more importantly finding a CURE!


Don’t let the cooler temps deter you from these adorable pink/black hearts and ribbon flip-flops from The Breast Cancer Awareness Store.  You simply cannot beat the price of $4.00.  Yes, you read that right! $4.00!!  They are currently available in sizes 6-9 and what’s more important is that proceeds from this purchase funds mammograms for underprivileged women in need.  Purchase directly from https://www.thebreastcancersite.com/store or contact their customer service department on 1-(888) 355-4321.


Ok, I debated on whether or not to include this woven bag because I found it to be a little insensitive, but apparently it's a best-seller as it shows that although patients are going through a troubling time, they're sense of humor isn’t loss.  You can purchase it directly from The Pink Ribbon Shop http://www.pinkribbonshop.com for $12.95. 


This feminine and super cute key ring (pictured left) is embellished with pink jewels and the breast cancer awareness ribbon as its focal point.  This key ring can be purchased from The Pink Ribbon Shop at http://www.pinkribbonshop.com for $13.95.  Also, for you book readers, get this matching bookmark as well (pictured right), for the same price!


Torrid offers this adorable pink “I Heart My Boobies” t-shirt with the upside down rhinestone heart in sizes 1-4x for $28.50. Purchase at your nearest Torrid store or online at http://www.torrid.com/.



The Warriors In Pink tradition continues with this jersey cotton scarf for 2011.  Jazz up any coat, suit, or casual outfit while making a statement.  This work of art can be purchased directly from Warriors In Pink http://www.shopwarriorsinpink.com for $34.00. 

Note: To date, Warriors In Pink have donated $2,029,045.00 to the Susan G. Komen For A Cure Foundation..

This bracelet is not only stunning but it supports a great cause!  Pick up this Pandora “compatible” beaded bracelet as a show of support for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Although it’s the priciest piece on the list, at $259.99, its proceeds go to a great cause.  Purchase it directly from Overstock Jeweler http://www.overstockjeweler.com/.

If you don't see anything you like, or you're a man and pink isn't your thing, you don’t have to buy an item to show your support.  There a hundreds of organizations to donate too, but don’t get taken by donating to one that may be a fraud.  The most reputable and well known organization is Susan G. Komen For A Cure.  Donate online at http://ww5.komen.org/ or via text “KOMEN” “90999” ($10.00 will be added to your next bill.)

Let’s all Save The Ta-Tas! Squish a boob, save a life!!

Happy Shopping or Donating for a Cure.  ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!


Friday, September 30, 2011

Animal Instinct

In the plus size book of fashion do’s & don’ts you are sure to find a much longer list under don’ts.  Don’t wear horizontal stripes, don’t wear large prints, don’t wear skimpy clothes, don’t wear clothes that are too big or too small, don’t wear clothes that attract attention to your “flawed” areas, don’t wear bathing suits, don’t wear bright colors, don’t wear leggings….it’s a wonder we eat so much, we are stressed over clothing decisions! 

Although, one clothing rule “don’t” has gone unwritten, until recently, most plus size women have shied away from it because it could lead to a big girl being the butt of a joke - ANIMAL PRINTS. 


Be it zebra, leopard, cow, snake, or cheetah, a big girl better not be caught dead in it.  The Fashion Risk Taker would surely be made fun of for looking like a big ass [insert animal name here] if she dared wear an animal print, and don’t think about wearing an animal printed undergarment because dare a big girl *gasp* try to be sexy.  For this reason, I’ve always stayed far away from any prints that resembled an animal skin.

That is until recently….

On a rainy Saturday in early September, I was out buying things to get me through the hurricane/tropical storm that was approaching the DMV, (see The Lesson I Learned from Irene posted in September 2011) when I wandered to the clothing section at Target to look for a white t-shirt.  The few shirts they had didn’t tickle my fancy as I was seeking a v-neck, when I saw this:

A sheer, ruffled, leopard print blouse by Pure Energy. 

I like it because I can wear it alone during warmer months and under a jacket when the temps get cooler.  It comes in sizes 14/16-26/28 and can be purchased from your nearest Target location or online at http://www.target.com/ for a reasonable price of $22.99.

With the arrival of the Fall/Winter Fashion season, animal prints are at the forefront.  Although, I find dresses, coats, and jumpsuits to be a bit much for animal prints, here are a few picks to rock animal prints without going overboard:


This skinny leopard print belt from Old Navy can be worn with a dress or cardigan for a pop of color and it’s a great buy for only $19.94 and available in sizes 1x-3x.



Also, from Old Navy are these super cute two-toned ballet flats that will also bring out any outfit.  Old Navy gives their customers the option of scoring them in either the brown leopard or the black/white zebra print.  Available in sizes 6-11, they surely won’t break the bank as they only costs $22.00.





This lace-trimmed cheetah print cami can be work under a v-neck or blazer to take any outfit from work to happy hour.  It’s available at The Avenue or through their website  http://www.avenue.com/ in sizes 14/16-30/32 for only $24.90.




And lastly, jazz up any coat, suit, and even a casual outfit with this fringed animal print pashmina scarf from Lane Bryant (www.lanebryant.com) that also comes in blue/black, pink/black, and grey/grey for $26.95.

So with that I say, a big girl can (DO) animal prints. In an understated way, any of these statement pieces will surely bring out any outfit and allow one to be trendy and fashionable without the fear of being the butt of a joke.  So grab any one of these pieces and let your animal instinct shine.

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Madhouse Created By Missoni

Four years ago, the retail giant Target came up with a brilliant marketing plan, one that offered high-end luxury goods at affordable prices – Designer Collaborations. Target has teamed up with Isaac Mizrahi, Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and a few others to offer their brands to consumers with modest shopping budgets.  All of these collaborations were limited in availability and merchandise.  They came and went without the blink of an eye.  Although these partnerships were successful, nothing compares to the anticipation of Target’s latest Designer Collaboration – Missoni for Target.


I first started hearing the buzz mid-summer.  Target was joining forces with the Italian fashion house Missoni.  Founded in Varese, Italy in 1953, Missoni is famous for it knitwear which feature colorful geometric, strip, and abstract patterns.  Sold worldwide, Missoni boast average revenue of $60M and as of two years ago, have ventured into the real property market with Hotel Missoni currently with locations in the UK and Kuwait, and other projects under construction in Oman, Turkey, and Brazil.  Yes, Missoni is MAY-JAH!

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, The Missoni for Target line finally launched, offering 400 products ranging from houseware, clothing, bedding, to even a bicycle, and ranging from prices as low as $2.99 to $599.99.  I had been warned that the line was expected to sellout in 24 hours, so I had planned on logging on to www.target.com to purchase a scarf and a pair of ballet flats, but the Benadryl I took earlier that evening put me on a train to Slumberland.  The next morning, I tried logging on to www.target.com and was greeted by the Target Dog, announcing that the website was down due to high traffic volume.  By late morning, the Target Dog was still on the splash page announcing that Target was suddenly popular and the site was still down.  Are you serious? Is the question I thought to myself as I had never known this to happen to http://www.target.com/.  Not even on Black Friday, http://www.target.com/ has never ever crashed! Dammit!!

As soon as the clock struck noon, I was out the door, and on my way to the nearest Target to my job.  Alas, when I arrived, I was greeted by empty racks and display cases.  Target was cleaned out!  The only remnants of Missoni were the signs indicating that products once lined the shelves.  I quickly asked a sales clerk if there was anything left in the back. No - was the answer I got. I then asked where the next nearest Target was.  The sales clerk told me that it didn’t matter because they had been receiving calls all morning asking what merchandise they still had in stock from other Target stores who were also sold out.  The sales clerk then proceeds to detail their morning of having shoppers lined up before the store opened to purchase Missoni merchandise.  You have got to be kidding me!  This is turning out to be bigger than I thought.  If I missed this Designer Collaboration because of the early morning rush of shoppers I am going to be a very unhappy camper.  Defeated, I headed back to work.

For the rest of the afternoon, I was preoccupied with planning my strategy on how I was going to get my scarf and ballet flats.  I had reached a shopaholic’s level of urgency, similar to that of our military’s DEFCON 4.  I was on high alert. Quitting time came and I again set out on my Missoni Mission.  I had a plan to hit the Targets in southeastern PG and Charles Counties.  I was not going home until I got my purchases, and lucky for me, I hit jackpot at the very first Target I visited since my disastrous afternoon attempt.  Although the pickings were slim, I was able to get my ballet flats and a knitted scarf.  I would have LVoe’d a silk one, but beggars can’t be choosy.  


I returned home a very happy camper.  I came, I shopped, I conqued! Unfortunately, not all Missoni seekers were as lucky. While shopping I listened to the combat stores of other customers as they spoke of frantically driving from location to location looking for clothes and shoes in their size to no avail.  Even a news story featured on a local news station later that night mentioned the madhouse created by Missoni at various Target stores in the DMV.  By the next day, most Missoni merchandise was sold out in stores and online.  If you were not lucky enough to get your items the first day, forget it.  Although I am doubtful that these items will be restocked as they were advertised as only being available from September 13, 2011 – October 22, 2011 or as long as supplies lasts, I am doubtful anyone wanting to make a purchase will be lucky enough to get anything at this point, except for maybe on http://www.ebay.com/ as many items have resurfaced there for twice the amounts advertised by Target.  If you are lucky enough to find Missoni for Target in an out of the way Target location, I say snatch up as much as you can because you will never be able to snag a pair of Missoni ballet flats for $22.99 (or $14.99 for the knitted scarf) ever again, but if you’re like me, where there is a shopper’s will, there’s a way.  Good luck and Godspeed!

Until the next Designer Collaboration.....

Happy Shopping ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic~  Muah!


Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Washout That Was Fashion Night Out

For the past month, I‘ve been anticipating the date of September 8, 2011.  Why do you ask? Is it my birthday? No, but it is a very special day.  Not only is it my mother’s birthday, it’s a day that only comes once a year - the phenomenon known in the fashion circles as Fashion’s Night Out (FNO).  It’s the nocturnal, shopping party that’s celebrated all across the globe.  Coincidentally, FNO also coincides with the start of New York Fashion Week and the kickoff for the fall fashion season. 


This year marked the third annual FNO, but what made this year even more special was that the first ever Fashion’s Night Out PLUS was introduced.  That’s right the full figured fashionista…or as I affectionately call them– FATshionistas were finally being included.  In the words of celebrity gossip personality Perez Hilton “fashion is such a fun and wonderful art, but it shouldn’t be limited to skinny bitches.  Lucky for me, one of the official FNOP events was being held right here in the DMV, hosted at BeautyFull Boutique in Old Town Alexandria.  As soon as I found out about the event, I quickly RSVP’d to attend.

The evening of FNO/P, I got dolled up, even put on some heels, and set out to the event.  As fate would have it, the DMV was in the midst of yet another weather related disaster.  Forecasters were calling for flash flooding all across the region thanks to Tropical Depression Lee.  A ride that normally would take 20 minutes, turned into a 5 hour nightmare, complete with me almost running out of gas, as the inner and outer loops of the Beltway were shut down. As the clock struck 9:00pm, and traffic still gridlocked, I soon realized that my evening was going from FAB to FIZZLE thanks to the flooding in Northern Virginia.   By 10:00pm, the Beltway was reopened, and I made my way to Alexandria for gas and a restroom stop.  Afterwards, I made my way home soaked and disappointed that I missed the fashion event of the season.  For me, FNO 2011 was a complete bust and a washout! L

When I started brainstorming on this week’s blog posting, I envisioned it to be very different.  I planned to rave about the boutique, the fashions I saw, the hors d'oeuvres I nibbled, the champagne or wine I sipped, and the purchases I made.  Instead, still with disappointment, I blog about the FNO that wasn’t, but luckily with the flip of the calendar, FNO will come around again – just 362 days to go!

~ The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!
 


Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Lesson I Learned From Irene

Last week was a rather interesting one for the East Coast.  First, we were shaken up by a once in a lifetime earthquake (seriously, outside of spinning on her axis, Mother Earth needs to stay still), then the wind lashing and soaking we got from Hurricane Irene.  …..Yes, you read that right, an earthquake and a hurricane all in one week.  Trust me when I say there are still traumatized people up and down the eastern seaboard.  Is God trying to tell us something? Is Mother Earth rebelling from the mistreatment inflicted upon her by her inhabitants? #thingsthatmakeyougohmm  Ok, before you think I’m getting all philosophical and alluding to another 2012 doomsday prophecy, I’m not. This is just a good segue into this week blog posting.

A week ago, I knew I needed to be prepared for this storm named Irene that was coming to town.  That means I needed to make preparations for going into survival mode in the event that man-made luxuries were not available…like…you know...electricity. 

The morning Irene was due to arrive I knew I needed a few supplies like nonperishable food items, batteries, etc.  The rain had already started falling, so there was no point in getting too dressed up, so I threw on a t-shirt, some sweatpants, and my trusty Timberland flip-flops.  Once ready, I grabbed my umbrella and set out on my mission of Emergency Preparedness.  After getting all the items I needed, I returned home completely soaked to the bone.  What possessed me go out in all that wind and rain in just a t-shirt, sweats, and flip-flops? Crazy perhaps? No, just a lack of appropriate outerwear for rainy weather, and maybe a dash of bad judgment.  As soon as my power was restored, I took to the internet to find some rainy weather appropriate pieces.


This A-shaped jacket comes to us from plus size Danish clothier Carmakoma.  Isn’t this jacket a BEAST? What puts this jacket in a league of its own is its A-frame shaping, draped front, and its oversized trendy buttons.  What I especially LVoe about this jacket is that its look changes depending on how high it’s buttoned.  The wearer can only button a few buttons for a wide collared look or button it all the way for a high turtleneck look.  The additional plus about this jacket is that it's sold NOWHERE in the U.S., so you surely won’t see anyone else rocking it.  This jacket retails for 1490dkr which roughly converts to $248.15 and comes in U.S. sizes 12-22.  To purchase visit http://carmakoma.com/en/

If overseas shopping isn’t your thing, or lets be real, if spending $250 on a jacket isn’t your thing, I have something else for you. 


This hip-length, lightweight trench may be more up your alley.  Offered by Ashley Stewart, this belted, double breasted jacket comes in Most Toast and Tuscany Orange and sizes ranging from 10/12 – 30/32.  What’s even great is that it’s currently on sale for $39.60 at your local Ashley Stewart or online at http://www.ashleystewart.com/

Another lesson I learned from Irene is that you do not wear flip flops in the rain; especially rainfall due to a hurricane.  Below is a pair of croc embossed wide calf rain boots from The Avenue.  These boots come in sizes 7-13W and colors grey, black, and magenta.  Purchase directly from your local Avenue or online at http://www.avenue.com/ for $49.90.



Above is a pair of wide calf boots from Naturalizer that double as rain and snow boots.   Ranging in sizes 5M-11M (various sizes are offered in W); you can buy them at your local Naturalizer or online at http://www.naturalizer.com/ for $71.10.

So the next time a hurricane or tropical storm blows through the DMV, I will be ready.  Now how’s that for Emergency Preparedness!

Happy Shopping ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!