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!

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!

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!

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 15^th, 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 17^th.  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 17^th, 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!

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!

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!

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!