Farewell My Summer LVoe

It’s that time of year again.  The kids are back in school, football is back on (Thank God! Go Skins!!), and we are quickly approaching Labor Day weekend.  All these signs are pointing to one thing – summer is coming to an end and fall is right around the corner.

With the end of summer, comes the end of one of fashion’s best seasons: bright colors, open toe shoes, shorts, cute blouses and flirty sundresses, but just because the fun clothes have to be put away, doesn’t mean being stylish comes to an end.  Cooler temps do not equal boring, frumpy, and bulky clothing.

Now that the fall shopping season is here, these two pieces caught my eye and have made their way to my “must have” list. 

The first is this diagonal stripped asymmetric sweater from Missphit.  The sweater sports an asymmetrical hem line which makes its design extremely unique.   To assist with the elongated appearance, are the thin diagonal strips running the entire length of the sweater.  Made from a stretchy cotton fabric, this sweater is worn as a pullover, but wraps the body, giving the garment a shawl look.  This sweater can be purchased for the reasonable price of $36.00 from http://www.missphit.com/. Unfortunately, the only two sizes left are 1x and 3x.  The 2x size sold out months ago.

Lastly, is this ribbed, cropped, tie front cardigan from Old Navy.  This cardigan is great for layering; especially, when the temps begin to dip in October.  It can be worn with a lengthy tank top and a great necklace.  The sweater comes in Alpaca and Chocolate Kiss and comes in sizes ranging from 1x-4x.  It also comes with a reasonable price tag of $36.94.  Purchase it online at http://www.oldnavy.com/

You might be thinking, is she posting sweaters when it's still warm.  Well, despite the temps still hovering in the 80s and 90s, it’s never too early to start shopping for the fall, therefore.....

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Introducing A New Drug For All You Accessory Addicts

There’s a new drug in town….

It’s hot…. 

It’s in high demand….

It’s dangerous to the wallets….

No two hits are the same. (your product is one of a kind)….

You’ll crave more and more after your first buy….

What is this drug I’m referring too?

Let’s meet the product and its supplier….

I’m talking about the unique and creative jewelry by Tiffany Brooks.  Her pieces are amazing!

I first discovered her jewelry through a makeup party I attended a few months ago.  So many interesting pieces were on display, I was like a kid in a candy store.  Feathered earrings, rhinestone cobra rings, colorful bangles, even bedazzled bags (read All That Glitters for details on that obsession) it was so much to choose from, and all at great prices! Oh joy!!

With so much to choose from, I settled on these two pieces which really caught my eye. I had to have them!



The bracelet is almost reminiscent of the 1980s toy the Slinky (you know, the marvelous toy) due to it’s coiled formation, which makes it convenient for the “thick wristed” as it wraps around the wrist giving off an almost thin, stackable, bangle appearance.  The ring is made of a thin, wiry material wrapped in a flower type design which gives it a blooming appearance. Both pieces are decorated with colorful buttons, dice, marbles, and beads in varies shapes and sizes.  Both of these items were a great buy at only $20.00 a piece.

Recently, I picked up these red and black feathered earrings. A very simple design, made from beads and feathers, these earrings dangle a little pass the shoulders.  Despite the funky feathers, the design is simple enough to wear in a corporate environment on casual Fridays (but I may push the envelope and wear them on a Tuesday) and funky enough to wear with a great outfit in a happy hour/lounge setting.  These were also another $20.00 buy.

Lastly, I picked up another bracelet, made of black and white buttons of various sizes with a few red and black beads mixed in for that POP of color.  This bracelet only set me back $25.00. 

If you’re a fellow Accessory Addict like Yours Truly, you NEED to add Jewelry By Tiffany to your collection. Her pieces are trendy, eye-catching, and unique.  Best of all, not everyone will be rocking your pieces as no two designs are exactly alike. 

To view more fabulous pieces from Jewelry By Tiffany, check out http://jewelry-by-tiffany.com/default.aspx or http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614072870#!/JewelryByTiffany

To make a purchase check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybytif or contact Tiffany Brooks on jbt.jewelrybytiffany@gmail.com​

Happy Shopping ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Dear Australian Vogue, Better Luck Next Time

Imagine my surprise to hear earlier this week that the Australian Vogue was following in the footsteps of Vogue Italia and had published its first ever 10-page plus size fashion spread in its August 2011 issue.  I immediately had to get details and see the spread!  Between the news of the spread, and finding out about up & coming plus size Australian designer, Gisela Ramierz, (see the I Need A Vacation AND This Swimsuit blog post from July), I was ecstatic that the land down under was crawling from under the mainstream rock and  joining the rest of the plus size world.

All week, the blogosphere has been abuzz with news of this spread.  From plus size blogs, to mainstream fashion blogs, all have commented on this spread and lavished it much praise.  I was very anxious to see the spread with all the fanfare it was getting.  Then I found out the featured model is Robyn Lawley.  Ok, no bells sounded because I wasn’t too familiar with Ms, Lawley, or her work, except that she was featured on the cover of Vogue Italia and the French Elle, but nonetheless, excited to see the spread. 

That is until I saw the spread…..

*blank stare*

Confusion washes over me as I view page after page of photos.  I don’t understand.  THIS is what all the hoopla is about? Are they not seeing what I see? This looks like a regular mainstream spread to me.  Lovely girl, but she is clearly not plus size. She may be an Australian 14 but that is a size 10 by U.S. sizing standards. Not hardly plus size. Maybe I have grown accustomed to real plus size models, like Crystal Renn and others who were featured in the plus size pictorial by V Magazine back in 2010, so when I hear plus size that’s what I expect to see.  Not a model who is of average build being cast as plus size because she’s 20lbs heavier than Kate Moss.  Boo!

Vogue Australia, you clearly missed the mark.  While I applaud your paltry effort to try and make a little room in the fashion world for the bigger girls, this spread only reinforces the idea that if a woman isn’t shaped like a stick figure she is fat. Again, I say Boo! 

I wish Vogue Australia would have put more of an effort into this spread because it could have had more of an impact in the plus size fashion world.  So while the plus size blogosphere celebrates this groundless victory, I’m quite disappointed with Australian Vogue trying to pass off an average size model as plus size.  So with that I say, sorry Australian Vogue, but this is a FAIL!  I’ll give you an E+ for effort, but better luck next time.

Will the real plus size models please stand up!

 ~The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

All That Glitters!

My Nail Tech will tell you that I LVoe glitter, sparkles, more glitter, bedazzle, lots of glitter, bling, oh and did I say GLITTER! 

It all started when OPI released their Alice In Wonderland Collection in the winter of 2009 with the wonderful color Mad As A Hatter with glittery flecks of pink, gold, and black.  Then, in the winter of 2010, OPI released the Burlesque/Holiday collection, which featured the amazing Bring On The Bling.

And now, OPI has done it again with the Miss Universe Collection featuring my current nail color Crown Me Already, a silver glittery polish.

Clearly, those aren’t my fingers, but the swatch blog offered a better shot than I could, and honestly, pics do this color no justice.  It is gorgeous! Note the different sizes of the glitter flecks. <3  This polish is absolutely magical. 

My nails are below...

We decided to add two colorful abstract designs for POP! My nails are MAY-JAH! I’ve received so many compliments in the past 48 hours since they have been done.  Again, pics do this polish no justice! I say, this may be Tia’s finest work ever. My Nail Tech ROCK!

To pick up this fantastic color, purchase anywhere OPI polish is carried. Also, check out www.opi.com to view other colors from the Miss Universe Collection.  Currently, this polish retails for around $8.00, depending on where you purchase.

To get your nails all fancy, fly, and did contact my Nail Tech, Tia Johnson, located inside Technicolor Salon & Spa in The Boulevard Shopping Center at 820 Capital Centre Boulevard, Largo, Maryland 20774 on (301) 793-4862. Tell her Tanya sent ya!

Happy Shopping ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

I Need A Vacation AND This Swimsuit!

Anyone who KNOWS me knows the emotionally draining and stressful past few weeks I have had. A Sista is being TESTED!  I am counting the days until I can take a much needed vacation.  Unfortunately, it will not happen anytime soon, but I have already planned my next vacation spot – the Dutch Antilles’ islands of Curacao and Aruba.  I can see it now, sunshine, twisted trees, blue water, white sand, a good book, and a stunning swimsuit!

All spring/summer I have had my eyes on this metallic bronze one shoulder bathing suit from Old Navy. Isn’t it a beauty?  I can’t testify to its quality or how it looks in real life, but it’s on my “must have” list.  Currently it’s on sale for $34.99, exclusively on http://www.oldnavy.com/ and unfortunately it is almost sold out as the only stock left is in a 4x. Clearly, I’m not the only plus size fatshonista who wanted this suit, but I will get it as there is already a spot for it in my suitcase.

Now, before you clutch your pearls and wonder how dare she parade around a beach in that, keep in mind that although I am a member of the “I Am Fat Woman Hear Me Roar” club, I will under no circumstances wear this suit alone.  There are still some things that need to be kept under wraps…..even on the beach. 

Recently, while net surfing, I came across a rather fashion forward, silk/chiffon belted chiton, designed by up and coming Australian plus size designer Gisela Ramirez.

Made from 100% silk, this chiton comes in black, indigo, blood, and rose.  Although the indigo is stunning, I NEED this in black! Currently retailing for $250(AUD) and comes in sizes ranging from S-XL (Plus Sizes 14-28.) You can purchase this chiton straight from the designer on  http://giselaramirez.bigcartel.com/

Happy Shopping – The Plus Size Shopaholic, Muah!

You Can't Miss An Elephant...Let Alone A PnkElephant!

A few weeks ago, I had the delightful pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of PnkElephant’s Flagship Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  PnkElephant is the brainchild of Blair Sandlian and Kijafa Frink, fiancée’ of Philadelphia Eagles star Quarterback Michael Vick.  Starting out as an internet store, it has quickly grown into its own brand, offering affordable and trendy pieces for the young, hip & chic, and being spotted on celebrities such as Marsha Ambrosius, Bethenny Frankel of the Real Housewives of New York City, Rocsi from 106 & Park, and Vanessa Simmons to name a few. 

Pictured above is my favorite piece from PnkElephant - the Bubble Gum Necklaces.  I consider them conversation pieces as they draw lots of attention due to their fun, colorful, bauble appearance. Relatively lightweight, and despite its bulky appearance, it lies on the upper chest and doesn’t give a crowded sensation around the throat.  These necklaces will make any casual outfit POP and you can’t beat the affordable price of $20.00. It’s a fantastic buy!

PnkElephant offers a wide range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings for any accessories addict.

To place your order for a Bubble Gum Necklace, order online at http://www.pnkelephant.com/, or if you’re in the Philadelphia area, at the Flagship store located at 504 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19417.

Happy Shopping!  The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

The Birth of a Blog

Welcome,

The idea of this blog stems from my love of shopping and plus size fashion.  For years I have received compliments on my clothes and accessories, and often asked where do I shop and find nice things.  This blog will answer those questions as I will showcase new buys, new finds, and things I think are just great!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!
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