A Shopaholic’s Favorite Things

In the tradition of Oprah, I thought it would be fitting to share some of my favorite things, and since we are now in 2012, I figure this could be one last time to reminisce on 2011 by sharing my favorite things of 2011.

10…

The Salt & Peppery Gourmet Popcorn from Starbucks

This is soooo tasty.  Although it is salt AND pepper, you actually taste more of the pepper, but don’t be alarmed, it’s not overpowering.  You can pick up this wonderful snack at your local Starbucks for the small price of $1.25.

9…

Cajun Spiced Pistachios (green bag on the far left)

I came across these by happenstance at Walmart and has been hooked ever since.  Pistachios with a spicy kick.  This is yet another great snack.  You can pick this up at Walmart for $7.99 a bag. 

8…

 Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

I’m usually a MAC girl but having to become a bit of a Recessionista after my time of unemployment, I discovered this mousse foundation by Maybelline.  It’s light, creamy, and gives great coverage.  I usually purchase it at Walmart for around $7.50.

7… 

Flavia Single Cup Coffeemaker

Back in August, we got one of these in our office and it’s been a HIT!  This machine has saved me so much money at Starbucks (sans the popcorn).  This Flavia model can make up to 400 different coffee and tea combinations.  Although this model is for offices, Flavia offers a model for home for $124.00.  If you interested in the Flavia machine, you can check out their website http://us.myflavia.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3414902.

6…

Juicy Couture Keychain/ring

I’ve eyed this keychain/ring for quite some time but was hesitant to get it because I figured it would weigh too heavily on my ignition, but who am I fooling, I couldn’t resist the sparkle.  It’s big and gaudy and gets so much attention.  It's one of my favorite accessories.  I got this keychain/ring from the Juicy Couture Outlet for $55.00.

5…

Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black

Although this album is five years old, I never tire of hearing it.  The funny thing is, I started listening to it heavily this past March as it became the soundtrack of my then “relationship”.  Unfortunately, I grew even closer to it as it would later become the last studio album made by Amy Winehouse.  If you don’t have this album in your collection, GET IT.  You won’t be disappointed.

4…

Jewelry By Tiffany

(See A New Drug For All Of You Accessory Addicts from July 2011)

3…

Balconette Bras

These bras are the best for busty girls.  They give good coverage and GREAT separation and LIFT! I typically stick to the ones from the Avenue as I have discovered that they are the best for me and my “girls”.  They typically run between $29.50 -$34.50, depending on print, color, and fabric. 

2…

International Shopping

I’ve always hated how plus size shopping is so limited to the same stores and what’s worst is having the same outfit as everyone else because of the limited shopping options.  That’s why I was so delighted to find plus size stores outside of the U.S. to purchase from.  I’ve highlighted Yours Clothing from the U.K. back in November with the post Because Marc Jacobs Said So and will be highlighting others in the near future.  Stay tuned…

1…

If you know me KNOW me, then you should have an idea of what my number one favorite thing of 2011 is.  I have raved and recommended this product to everyone.  With the fear of coming across as an alcoholic, my favorite thing of 2011 is….

*drum roll*

Coconut Ciroc

It has been the staple of my evenings this past year and I am pretty sure I’ve purchased a Bentley for Diddy with how much money he has gotten out of me with purchases.  If you haven’t tried it, you must! It’s very tasty and my favorite brand of Vodka.  Sorry Grey Goose, you’re cooked!

Happy New Years Everyone!  May your 2012 be prosperous and joyful.

~ The Plus Size Shopaholic ~Muah!

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!

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 34^th 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!

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!