An Attack of Hearts

Not only am I a Shopaholic; I’m also a Polishaholic. 

If you remember from the blog post “All That Glitters” published July 30, 2011, I am quite smitten by OPI; especially their themed lines. This past summer, OPI introduced their Minnie Mouse collection in shades of red and hot pink.  The color that caught my attention was a sheer pink with glitter and hearts called Ain’t Nothin Mousie About It.  I wanted this color and had to have it, but fate played a cruel trick on me: I couldn’t find it.

I eventually stumbled on Nicole by OPI which had the exact color called Love Your Life:

I really liked the color but it’s rather sheer.  My nail technician used another sheer Essie color underneath to bring out the pinkish tint.  Unfortunately, the hearts are hard to get out of the bottle, but trust me, the end product is super cute and worth the effort.

You can purchase Nicole by OPI from their website www.nicolebyopi.com or from Sephora, Walmart, or Target.  The polish typically runs $6.50 per bottle.

Happy Shopping – The Plus Size Shopaholic, Muah!   

Friendly Stripes

If you recall from the post “Animal Instinct” (published September 30, 2011).  I discussed the many "DON'Ts" plus size women are faced with when selecting clothing.  There are many prints, colors, and patterns that plus size women have been advised to beware. One of those being horizontal stripes because they make you appear wider.  For years, I steer clear of the dreaded body widening horizontal stripe, until I found a wonderful striped sweater from Lane Bryant two winters ago.  I initially purchased the sweater in orange and white.  I LVoed it so much that I went back and purchased the same sweater in black and white.

Fast forward to this spring/summer, I found a cute stripped cotton dolman top from Old Navy.  I initially purchased it in the green and white and recently purchased it in navy blue and white, which is currently on sale for $14.99. 

This top is perfect for warm and semi-cool weather as it can be worn with either a camisole or long sleeve tee shirt underneath.  Again, this top is currently on sale at Old Navy for $14.99 and comes in sizes 1x-4x.

This dress showed up on my Facebook newsfeed one day as an advertisement for Fushia Love, a plus size retailer from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I’m not too familiar with the store and haven’t purchased anything from it.  I may have to make a pit stop there when I land in Fort Lauderdale next month.  I found this pink and white stripped dress to be adorable and cute for the summer.  You can purchase it directly from www.fushialove.com for $38.00.  It comes in sizes 1x-3x.

I was thumbing through the pages of O Magazine and came across this cute little stripped canvas clutch by Sharp Hill Designs.  I thought it would fit perfectly with this posts in case any of my readers are scared of horizontal stripes but not  afraid to accessorize with it.  This clutch is currently only available in red and white for $58.00 and can be purchased directly from Sharp Hill Designs at www.sharphilldesigns.com.

With that said, don’t be afraid of horizontal stripes.  They don’t bite.

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Beachy Keen!

The summer season is now under way, and with summer comes vacations, and with vacations comes beach trips, and with beach trips comes bathing suits. 

*Disclaimer:  I saw this swimsuit in an ad for a French plus size site.  Unfortunately, it gave no details on what retailer carries this suit.  I would  LVoe to have it.

Earlier this summer I took a quick trip to the western coast of Florida and hung out on the Gulf of Mexico.  It was magnificent.  The sand was white and the water was sparkling blue.  As I was planning the trip, I knew there would be an official "beach day".  I realized that I needed to invest in some new swimwear since I hadn’t bought a new swimsuit in YEARS.  So of course I started my pursuit of buying the perfect swimsuit.

I ended up going with this simple black ruched-bandeau swimsuit from Old Navy.

I was quite happy with this suit which can be worn with or without the straps.  Although it does come with molded cups, I found that this suit didn’t offer my DDs the support I desired. If you’re smaller in the bust, it will work better for you.  This suit can be purchased on www.oldnavy.com for $50.00-52.00 (price depends on color) and is offer in orange, black, purple, and teal in sizes ranging from 1x-4x.

In a month, I plan to return to the Gulf of Mexico for another getaway and this is the next suit I will be wearing on the lvoely Bradenton Beach:

This suit is bright, colorful, and the animal prints make it funky.  This halter suit is currently on sale for $52.50 and can also be purchased from www.oldnavy.com.  It is currently only available in sizes 2x-4x.

Surfs up! 

Happy Shopping, ~The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

All White Everything!

I have a confession to make.  This post was supposed to be published around Memorial Day since it officially marked the unofficial beginning of summer 2012, but as you can tell from my lack of posts, I have neglected the blog.  I have been super busy and haven’t had the time.  Sorry fans, I promise to get it together.

With the summer months comes the bright colors and bold prints, but more importantly all things white.  I typically shy away from white clothing because I’m a messy eater and white is often a dirt magnet.

Now don’t  get me wrong, I’m not totally against the color white.  I mean, who doesn’t like a crisp white button-down?

Now take for instance this knitted sweater below from Old Navy :

I purchased this sweater back in March and have worn it at least four/five times since its purchase.  It’s cool, it’s stylish, and it’s white.  It’s one of my favorite spring/summer pieces this year.  Unfortunately, it has been sold out since April, but hopefully, you were lucky enough to snag one when I posted it on the Facebook page for the blog.  (Look to your right and click the “Like” button if you haven't done so already)

The following two pieces can be purchased from Fashion to Figure either in store or online at www.fashiontofigure.com.

This cotton  jumpsuit is sold in sizes 1x-3x for $36.00.  

Also, this one sleeve/off the shoulder mini dress is also available in size 1x-3x for $36.00.  

***Note that Fashion To Figure sizing is from 12-26***

Now that you have a suggestion for a few white pieces, watch the spillage, dirt, and grime while wearing them. 

Happy Shopping  & Happy Summer ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

Blockings Full of Color

I think I’ve previously established that I like things with loads of color. I LVoe the POP of it.

With the recent popularity of the color blocking trend, it’s like a crayola box has exploded - colorful things are everywhere. Another trend I’ve noticed is the one of geometric blocks and patterns with multiple colors.  Below are a few pieces that have tickled my fancy:

This Colorblock Peplum Tube Top would be a great addition to any summer wardrobe and paired with a black bottom would certainly make an outfit definitely POP.  Buy it directly from www.eddyandbri.com in sizes 1-3x for the reasonable price of $28.00.

Another piece to add to your summer wardrobe is this Colorblock Batwing Blouse from Australian Plus Size Retailer City Chic:

Offered in sized M/18 - XXL/24 for $54.00 (Australian Dollars) at www.citychiconline.com or if you’re in Australia (shoutout to my Australian followers) at a boutique near you.

Lastly, this Colorblock Knit Top REALLY caught my eye, but unfortunately, it’s not in my size.  *sadface*

From online Plus Size Retailer Majesty’s Closet, this Knit Top retails for  $24.99 and is currently available in sizes L/XL from www.majestyscloset.bigcartel.com.

Happy Shopping! ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic~ Muah!

Blingberry

Lets be real.  In the world of iPhones and Androids, the Blackberry can’t compete.  From its poor picture quality to its lack of compatibility with most applications, many customers have jumped ship and moved on to bigger and better smartphone horizons.  But not me…..

I’m what you call a nonconformist.  Also, I’m not tech-savvy or into techy gadgets, so my Blackberry is fine with me.  It accepts/makes calls, it allows me to text,  I can Twitter, Facebook, internet surf, and check email; therefore, the Blackberry is fine with me, and since my LVoe affair isn’t ending any time soon, I decided to upgrade my Blackberry with a little bling.

Introducing my new Blingberry (Blackberry case) by Jewelry By Tiffany

I LVoe it!  It’s blingy and the embellishments are BIG and GAUDY, making my phone extra noticeable. 

To bling out your Blackberry, Android, or iPhone, contact Jewelry By Tiffany at  http://www.jewelry-by-tiffany.com.  Prices vary depending on phone. 

Happy Shopping ~The Plus Size Shopaholic ~ Muah!

All Feathered Up!

We all know that fashion is an ever evolving beast, but does it evolve and revolve on a 360 degree axis?  The reason I say this is because we never see the true end of a trend.  Fashions of yesteryear, long gone and forgotten, always reemerge years later. 

The latest fashion comeback emerged last year and although waning is still lingering around - FEATHERS.  I’ve seen them adorn everything from clothes to bags to jewelry.  I’ve picked up a few feathered pieces along the way and below are two of my recent favorites that I’ll be rocking into summer. 

I picked up this colorful feather and spiked necklace for $16.00 from PnkElephant.  I’ve only worn it once because I bought it in the winter but it will be one of my staple pieces this summer.  I figure it will go well with tops that have a low neckline.  

Unfortunately, this piece is sold out but check out PnkElephant for other great accessories.  

*(Check the sidebar for “Where A Shopaholic Gets Her Fix” for a direct link to PnkElephant's website)

I was looking for a pair of cheap black ballet flats at Target to tide me over until I made my splash in the Tory Burch pond when I came across these:

These faux suede thong sandal has a once inch heel (a/k/a flat) and has beaded and feathered detailing.  I haven’t been able to wear them yet because the weather has not quite broken for me to wear open toe shoes, but considering the faux leather cushioned sole, I can’t imagine any discomfort from these sandals.  

This Shoe Kill was made at Target for the small price of $19.99.  Find them at your nearest Target store or online at www.target.com.

Although, I'm not sure how much longer the feather trend will be around, but with these two pieces, I plan to have fun with it while it last. 

Happy Shopping ~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~Muah!