Sorry for the disappearance, once again. Life is happening at super speed lately.
And The Big Girl Code has kind of fallen off of the tracks.
There is light at the end of the tunnel though!
There are new blogs and even vlogs! If you want to check out my personal blog, which has a lot of everything in it, including a bit of fat fashion, fat acceptance, ect go to mspauline89.tumblr.com.
As for the vlogs, I am apart of a collaboration with a few of my friends, and we put out videos every week. We also have a tumblr, aradiantlife.tumblr.com and the youtube channel www.youtube.com/user/aRadiantLife/videos
Feel free to catch me on my personal blog, on A Radiant Life, or on youtube!
I haven't forgotten about all of you here on The Big Girl Code. Thank you for keeping up with us!
- Pauline
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer Fun!
Next week is the official start of summer, and for some of us summer has been here for a while already!
These are my favorite things for summer.
One thing that every girl should have is an amazing bathing suit.
I know, I know, to some Big Girls bathing suits are a HUGE no-no.
We all have parts that jiggle, and parts that bulge. And I can not stand being hot in the summer time. I refuse to wear a long sleeve shirt or anything else that will result in me sweating my ass off because I was embarrassed to put on something cooler.
It's a process that you have to go through, and sometimes it's not easy, but when you finally get there and you finally feel comfortable being in a bathing suit in front of other people, it makes things so much easier.
Anyways, whether you wear a one piece, tankini, or a bikini, finding one that you love is the most important part.
Recently, I was in Lane Bryant and I saw this one piece that was absolutely adorable.
I tried it on, and it looked fabulous. A big plus is that it has molded cups, with underwire!
This type of bathing suit will work for any shape, and I will tell you why.
It's shirred fabric along the sides and stomach. It acts like a minimizer and gives you the appearance of being smaller. It is, by far, my favorite bathing suit I have ever owned.
There are also the ones who swear by tankinis.
When I was much bigger we always used to go down to the beach for the summer, and my staple bathing suit was a tankini. I loved them.
I am a big fan of the boyshorts with the tankini, and the bikini.
When you're getting a tankini or bikini, make sure your tatas fit in the cups!
It's not always easy trying to find one that fits every person. If they are too big, your boobs slide around all over the place, if they are too small, somebody may get a free peek.
When you are buying two piece bathing suits, look for wider straps, both on the arms, or that tie around the neck, and around the sides.
Resources: lanebryant.com, torrid.com, swimsuitsforall.com, alwaysforme.com, oldnavy.com
Those are just a few, but remember this when you are finding a bathing suit: be yourself, and if you're not comfortable in it, don't buy it! You will always be beautiful!
Now let's move on to cover-ups.
The things I hate most about cover-ups are that some people use a large t-shirt. And then they get in the water with it on!
Maybe it's for sun protection (Which doesn't even help. I read an article a few weeks ago that said clothing is not a form of sunscreen!), or maybe it's because they don't want stuff all out there.
Either or, if you have a great bathing suit no need to hide it!
But as for cover-ups, go by body shape.
If you're an apple, go for a short, robe type cover up.
Hourglass and pears should find a sarong wrap.
Rectangles can wear a robe or sarong, but make sure the robe or sarong is tied so that it gives you a great shape!
Remember Big Girls, you are amazing!
Be Fabulous,
- Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Like us on Facebook! Help us spread the news!
These are my favorite things for summer.
One thing that every girl should have is an amazing bathing suit.
I know, I know, to some Big Girls bathing suits are a HUGE no-no.
We all have parts that jiggle, and parts that bulge. And I can not stand being hot in the summer time. I refuse to wear a long sleeve shirt or anything else that will result in me sweating my ass off because I was embarrassed to put on something cooler.
It's a process that you have to go through, and sometimes it's not easy, but when you finally get there and you finally feel comfortable being in a bathing suit in front of other people, it makes things so much easier.
Anyways, whether you wear a one piece, tankini, or a bikini, finding one that you love is the most important part.
Recently, I was in Lane Bryant and I saw this one piece that was absolutely adorable.
I tried it on, and it looked fabulous. A big plus is that it has molded cups, with underwire!
This type of bathing suit will work for any shape, and I will tell you why.
It's shirred fabric along the sides and stomach. It acts like a minimizer and gives you the appearance of being smaller. It is, by far, my favorite bathing suit I have ever owned.
There are also the ones who swear by tankinis.
When I was much bigger we always used to go down to the beach for the summer, and my staple bathing suit was a tankini. I loved them.
I am a big fan of the boyshorts with the tankini, and the bikini.
When you're getting a tankini or bikini, make sure your tatas fit in the cups!
It's not always easy trying to find one that fits every person. If they are too big, your boobs slide around all over the place, if they are too small, somebody may get a free peek.
When you are buying two piece bathing suits, look for wider straps, both on the arms, or that tie around the neck, and around the sides.
Resources: lanebryant.com, torrid.com, swimsuitsforall.com, alwaysforme.com, oldnavy.com
Those are just a few, but remember this when you are finding a bathing suit: be yourself, and if you're not comfortable in it, don't buy it! You will always be beautiful!
Now let's move on to cover-ups.
The things I hate most about cover-ups are that some people use a large t-shirt. And then they get in the water with it on!
Maybe it's for sun protection (Which doesn't even help. I read an article a few weeks ago that said clothing is not a form of sunscreen!), or maybe it's because they don't want stuff all out there.
Either or, if you have a great bathing suit no need to hide it!
But as for cover-ups, go by body shape.
If you're an apple, go for a short, robe type cover up.
Hourglass and pears should find a sarong wrap.
Rectangles can wear a robe or sarong, but make sure the robe or sarong is tied so that it gives you a great shape!
Remember Big Girls, you are amazing!
Be Fabulous,
- Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Like us on Facebook! Help us spread the news!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
We have a bone to pick...Part Two
Here we are again, Big Girls!
Finding solutions to the everyday fashion problems, so you can be fabulous!
Today we tackle five more issues that drive us all insane.
1. Width vs. Length. Someone thought one day, "Well, if I make this wider, then we can skimp on the length, right?" WRONG! We have stomachs, we want them to be covered, and be comfortable. Just by making something wider doesn't make it look any better. The width doesn't create any shape, and it makes you look bigger! We pay out the nose for our clothes to begin with, they should put enough fabric in each shirt/blouse/sweater that we buy.
There are a few ways to combat the width issue. Get a cami, or a long tank top and layer it. This works especially well if the top is just a little too short. Another way to combat it, is to try it on!!! If it looks too wide, try the next size smaller. If it still looks funny, walk away from it.
Recently, I have noticed that Lane Bryant, Torrid, and also Target have been making their tops a little bit longer without the width. At Lane Bryant you have to watch though, because some of their tops look fabulous on the shelf, but when you put it on it's just not all there. At Target, I have fallen in love with their "Long & Lean" tank tops, perfect for layering, or wearing by itself.
2. What the Sleeve? Cap sleeves, puffy sleeves, any sleeve that pulls the emphasis to our arms.
I for one hate cap sleeves. I think they should be left to the 3 year-old girls on their Easter dresses.
We are grown women, and we should be able to dress like we are. There are a lot of us Big Girls that Like just regular sleeves, a 3/4 length sleeve, or elbow length. Conversely, sleeves that are huge don't make anything look good. That fad fell flat years, and years ago. A normal sleeve can be such a good thing!
My suggestion for sleeves are, sometimes (and I stress sometimes!!) you can take a shirt to an alteration shop and see if they can put a different sleeve on the shirt. That is not always as easy as it seems though. Also, just like in the width, it it doesn't look right, walk away from it. Or if everything else looks absolutely fabulous, but you're just worried about the arms, deal with it. I have the cutest argyle sweater top, and it has cap sleeves, but it was so perfect I bought it anyway.
3. Animal print/Neon leggins and jeans.
Some people love it, some people hate it. And I am here to say that if you love it, don't wear so much of it. Head to toe outfits of animal print do not work. Ever. I am also not a fan of the animal print t-shirts, or the animal print leggins/jeans/pants in any combination.
It is incredibly hard to wear animal print. Especially if you don't know how to wear it. If you have an animal print top, you could wear it with a plain jacket, or if it is warm, layer on a plain tank top underneath. Also, wear them with plain pants or jeans.
Never wear animal print pants. They don't look good on anyone.
Neon bottoms are also grouped into this category. Unless there is a specific reason as to why you are wearing neon bottoms, the general rule is to stay away from them.
If you are in love with neon, accessorize with it instead. Try a neon headband, or jewelry.
4. Fit in the bust. A lot of times the fit in the bust is too small, while the rest of the shirt is too large.
This either results in getting a smaller size, which then stretches your shirts, and draws extra attention to your bust.
The only thing that I can think of with this, is to measure yourself (or have someone else help out) and know you're bust size, especially is shopping online, or if buying in-store, try it on.
Some shirts allow for a bigger bust, some don't. If the problem is with a button up shirt staying buttoned, get some fashion tape and put it on the shirt where it bunches between buttons. It will hold it closed all day and peels right off.
Since we are talking bust, let's talk bras. If you have larger boobs, finding a hot bra is probably one of the hardest things to do. I am a stickler for trying on a new bra before I buy it, so I can check for the fit, and how it shapes me. Because I don't want to look like Madonna, or a grandma. But the amount of online resources for bras doesn't go unnoticed by me. Some of these websites are hipsandcurves.com, divabras.com, and bitsoflace.com.
In-store, my mainstay is Cacique at Lane Bryant. But even Victoria's Secret goes up to a band size of 42, in store.
5. I am not 90. I don't want to wear something that looks even remotely like I am 90.
So many styles of clothing for us Big Girls are so age inappropriate. The multi-colored florals, wrong fits, out-dated prints, the list goes on and on.
The fat fashion industry has started to catch on to current trends and give us more options.
Some of those options are fabulous, like better prints, current styles, and a more shapely fit.
You just have to watch out for something your grandmother, or even your great grandmother would wear. If all else fails, ask someone. Ask another person in the dressing room, or the sales associate. Ask us! Shoot us an email with a picture. We'd love to help you out!
Watch for the next few blogs! Part 3 is coming up, and after that is Summer Style!
Be Fabulous, Big Girls!
- Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
We love it when you "like" us on Facebook!
Finding solutions to the everyday fashion problems, so you can be fabulous!
Today we tackle five more issues that drive us all insane.
1. Width vs. Length. Someone thought one day, "Well, if I make this wider, then we can skimp on the length, right?" WRONG! We have stomachs, we want them to be covered, and be comfortable. Just by making something wider doesn't make it look any better. The width doesn't create any shape, and it makes you look bigger! We pay out the nose for our clothes to begin with, they should put enough fabric in each shirt/blouse/sweater that we buy.
There are a few ways to combat the width issue. Get a cami, or a long tank top and layer it. This works especially well if the top is just a little too short. Another way to combat it, is to try it on!!! If it looks too wide, try the next size smaller. If it still looks funny, walk away from it.
Recently, I have noticed that Lane Bryant, Torrid, and also Target have been making their tops a little bit longer without the width. At Lane Bryant you have to watch though, because some of their tops look fabulous on the shelf, but when you put it on it's just not all there. At Target, I have fallen in love with their "Long & Lean" tank tops, perfect for layering, or wearing by itself.
2. What the Sleeve? Cap sleeves, puffy sleeves, any sleeve that pulls the emphasis to our arms.
I for one hate cap sleeves. I think they should be left to the 3 year-old girls on their Easter dresses.
We are grown women, and we should be able to dress like we are. There are a lot of us Big Girls that Like just regular sleeves, a 3/4 length sleeve, or elbow length. Conversely, sleeves that are huge don't make anything look good. That fad fell flat years, and years ago. A normal sleeve can be such a good thing!
My suggestion for sleeves are, sometimes (and I stress sometimes!!) you can take a shirt to an alteration shop and see if they can put a different sleeve on the shirt. That is not always as easy as it seems though. Also, just like in the width, it it doesn't look right, walk away from it. Or if everything else looks absolutely fabulous, but you're just worried about the arms, deal with it. I have the cutest argyle sweater top, and it has cap sleeves, but it was so perfect I bought it anyway.
3. Animal print/Neon leggins and jeans.
Some people love it, some people hate it. And I am here to say that if you love it, don't wear so much of it. Head to toe outfits of animal print do not work. Ever. I am also not a fan of the animal print t-shirts, or the animal print leggins/jeans/pants in any combination.
It is incredibly hard to wear animal print. Especially if you don't know how to wear it. If you have an animal print top, you could wear it with a plain jacket, or if it is warm, layer on a plain tank top underneath. Also, wear them with plain pants or jeans.
Never wear animal print pants. They don't look good on anyone.
Neon bottoms are also grouped into this category. Unless there is a specific reason as to why you are wearing neon bottoms, the general rule is to stay away from them.
If you are in love with neon, accessorize with it instead. Try a neon headband, or jewelry.
4. Fit in the bust. A lot of times the fit in the bust is too small, while the rest of the shirt is too large.
This either results in getting a smaller size, which then stretches your shirts, and draws extra attention to your bust.
The only thing that I can think of with this, is to measure yourself (or have someone else help out) and know you're bust size, especially is shopping online, or if buying in-store, try it on.
Some shirts allow for a bigger bust, some don't. If the problem is with a button up shirt staying buttoned, get some fashion tape and put it on the shirt where it bunches between buttons. It will hold it closed all day and peels right off.
Since we are talking bust, let's talk bras. If you have larger boobs, finding a hot bra is probably one of the hardest things to do. I am a stickler for trying on a new bra before I buy it, so I can check for the fit, and how it shapes me. Because I don't want to look like Madonna, or a grandma. But the amount of online resources for bras doesn't go unnoticed by me. Some of these websites are hipsandcurves.com, divabras.com, and bitsoflace.com.
In-store, my mainstay is Cacique at Lane Bryant. But even Victoria's Secret goes up to a band size of 42, in store.
5. I am not 90. I don't want to wear something that looks even remotely like I am 90.
So many styles of clothing for us Big Girls are so age inappropriate. The multi-colored florals, wrong fits, out-dated prints, the list goes on and on.
The fat fashion industry has started to catch on to current trends and give us more options.
Some of those options are fabulous, like better prints, current styles, and a more shapely fit.
You just have to watch out for something your grandmother, or even your great grandmother would wear. If all else fails, ask someone. Ask another person in the dressing room, or the sales associate. Ask us! Shoot us an email with a picture. We'd love to help you out!
Watch for the next few blogs! Part 3 is coming up, and after that is Summer Style!
Be Fabulous, Big Girls!
- Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
We love it when you "like" us on Facebook!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
We have a bone to pick... Part One
With the entire fat fashion industry.
As we all know, all sizing is not created equally.
The difference between a torrid 3x and a forever 21 3x are light years apart.
I talked to a few Big Girls about what they thought about Fat Fashion.
I got some surprising information, and some not so surprising. None the less, the fat fashion industry is trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
Here are some of the complaints I got.
1. Fashionable does not equal affordable.
This is especially true in the plus size market because there is such high demand for fashionable clothes, and such low supply. It kind of reminds me about the cost of oil.
A lot of the stuff that you see in Lane Bryant, Torrid, or Ashley Stewart is really cute, but because a shirt costs between $30 and $100, it just doesn't make sense. And the same goes for pants.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, all of the chain stores are high, but they also have a clearance section. You can find oodles of things there. There are also places off the beaten path, like consignment stores. And then there are places like Burlington Coat Factory, TjMaxx, Ross and Marshall's. You will have to look, but when you find exactly what you're looking for, it is completely worth it.
2. One of the biggest things in a Big Girl's world is the sizing difference.
Some stores use a "junior plus" scale with their plus size clothes. And when you wear a Woman's plus size, the sizes just don't mesh. One can be too small, the other too big. The only thing to combat the sizing differences is to try things on. And it is a pain when you do online shopping, because that involves a lot more effort to return or exchange something, but it is completely worth doing.
On a side note, I suggest that you measure yourself, or have a friend or someone measure you, so that you know exactly what your measurements are to compare with the sizing guide.
3. How the pants fit. We all know that Big Girls do not come in one size, or shape.
http://biggirlcode.blogspot.com/2010/08/body-shape-and-fitted-clothes.html Read the link first.
Body shape is so important in finding the right fit.
The biggest problems with pant fit are: the waist is too big/small for some, the thigh is too big/small for some, or the hips are too big/small.
Every problem with pants is converse because we are all different. Our shapes and sizes don't always match up with what they want to sell us. The closest things I have found to combat this problem, is at Lane Bryant, and Fashion Bug they have Right Fit jeans and pants. They aren't perfect, but they closer than every one else. Also I have found that jeans with 2% to 10% spandex have extreme versatility with different sizes of waist, hips, and thighs.
4. The dreaded arm holes. On shirts with sleeves they are too small. On shirts with no sleeves, they are huge! We either have to have the sleeve of a shirt cutting into our arms all day, or have our bras hanging out for the whole world to see.
The only suggestion I can give, like the pants, is to find a shirt with a little spandex in the mix.
5. Elastic. I cringe at the sight of that word. Elastic waisted pants are terrible unless you are a toddler.
Us grown women know how to use buttons and zippers, we don't need any help with that, thank you very much. Elastic waisted pants have been a staple in fat fashion for a long time. But I won't give it any credit. There are plenty other options out there for us Big Girls. Just say no to elastic waists (wastes). We've come a long way from that, so continue forward.
That's it for now Big Girls! But don't worry, this is only part one of a three part series!
Be Fabulous Big Girls,
Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
prtali@yahoo.com
And don't forget to "like" us on Facebook!
As we all know, all sizing is not created equally.
The difference between a torrid 3x and a forever 21 3x are light years apart.
I talked to a few Big Girls about what they thought about Fat Fashion.
I got some surprising information, and some not so surprising. None the less, the fat fashion industry is trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
Here are some of the complaints I got.
1. Fashionable does not equal affordable.
This is especially true in the plus size market because there is such high demand for fashionable clothes, and such low supply. It kind of reminds me about the cost of oil.
A lot of the stuff that you see in Lane Bryant, Torrid, or Ashley Stewart is really cute, but because a shirt costs between $30 and $100, it just doesn't make sense. And the same goes for pants.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, all of the chain stores are high, but they also have a clearance section. You can find oodles of things there. There are also places off the beaten path, like consignment stores. And then there are places like Burlington Coat Factory, TjMaxx, Ross and Marshall's. You will have to look, but when you find exactly what you're looking for, it is completely worth it.
2. One of the biggest things in a Big Girl's world is the sizing difference.
Some stores use a "junior plus" scale with their plus size clothes. And when you wear a Woman's plus size, the sizes just don't mesh. One can be too small, the other too big. The only thing to combat the sizing differences is to try things on. And it is a pain when you do online shopping, because that involves a lot more effort to return or exchange something, but it is completely worth doing.
On a side note, I suggest that you measure yourself, or have a friend or someone measure you, so that you know exactly what your measurements are to compare with the sizing guide.
3. How the pants fit. We all know that Big Girls do not come in one size, or shape.
http://biggirlcode.blogspot.com/2010/08/body-shape-and-fitted-clothes.html Read the link first.
Body shape is so important in finding the right fit.
The biggest problems with pant fit are: the waist is too big/small for some, the thigh is too big/small for some, or the hips are too big/small.
Every problem with pants is converse because we are all different. Our shapes and sizes don't always match up with what they want to sell us. The closest things I have found to combat this problem, is at Lane Bryant, and Fashion Bug they have Right Fit jeans and pants. They aren't perfect, but they closer than every one else. Also I have found that jeans with 2% to 10% spandex have extreme versatility with different sizes of waist, hips, and thighs.
4. The dreaded arm holes. On shirts with sleeves they are too small. On shirts with no sleeves, they are huge! We either have to have the sleeve of a shirt cutting into our arms all day, or have our bras hanging out for the whole world to see.
The only suggestion I can give, like the pants, is to find a shirt with a little spandex in the mix.
5. Elastic. I cringe at the sight of that word. Elastic waisted pants are terrible unless you are a toddler.
Us grown women know how to use buttons and zippers, we don't need any help with that, thank you very much. Elastic waisted pants have been a staple in fat fashion for a long time. But I won't give it any credit. There are plenty other options out there for us Big Girls. Just say no to elastic waists (wastes). We've come a long way from that, so continue forward.
That's it for now Big Girls! But don't worry, this is only part one of a three part series!
Be Fabulous Big Girls,
Pauline
PS: Questions/comments? Have a fashion emergency? Email Us! We'd love to hear from you!
prtali@yahoo.com
And don't forget to "like" us on Facebook!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sometimes it is the clothing...
Long time no blog. Seriously. But this isn’t like my last blog where I’m filling the page with excuses. No, this is an honest-to-God blog. With a few excuses. My grandmother finally succumbed to her illness and passed away in early March. Then my Dad got sick. We thought it was a sinus infection and tried to treat it at home but a week later he was so bad that he couldn’t breathe. After a tense ride to the E.R. (I ran all stop signs and red lights… it was 4 in the morning and there were no cops in sight… so it was ok) they told him that he had pneumonia. Long story short, he did not have pneumonia and if it wasn’t for the amazing cardiologist that popped in to check on him, he would have died because he was actually going into heart failure. He’s doing fine, thank God, and they expect him to make a full recovery.
So, after all the drama that’s gone on, I decided that it was time to take myself shopping. Well, to take my fiancé and his wallet shopping (ha ha). Good news? I found some major bargains and you all know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE bargains. Bad news? I found out that stores occasionally CHANGE the size standards. Seriously.
Imagine my shock when I stepped into the dressing room to try on a pair of jeans… and they didn’t fit. I had a moment of panic. I hadn’t gained any weight back, at least, I thought I hadn’t. I’d actually been eating healthier since my dad got out of the hospital (doctors orders… for him, not me). Maybe I had gained weight. And suddenly I felt nauseated and I didn’t want to shop anymore.
Wait a second…
“I think these jeans aren’t sized right.”
Eye roll. “No, they’re right.”
Glare. “No, they’re not. I’m wearing these jeans. Same brand, style, size. These” shake jeans at her “are just a different color. Something isn’t right.”
Shrug. “Sometimes they change the sizes.”
WHAT?!
According to my friend’s mom, a fashion consultant, it’s true. Sometimes they change the sizes. So one year your size X might actually be a size Y and the next year it could actually be a size V. Trust me. I was thrown off and totally humiliated at the thought of having to get the next size up. So I didn’t. I went to Lane Bryant instead and got jeans in MY size.
Back to the first store. After the jean fiasco, I decided to raid the panty section and call it quits. Picked out the first cute one in my size and my jaw dropped. There was no way my ass was that large. Seriously, I could nearly wrap them around me. To find ones that fit I had to go down TWO sizes. I really wanted to tell them that their horribly tagged clothes belonged in a discount outlet instead of my favorite store. But I didn’t. As a side note, I’d like to point out that the salesclerk has NO control over prices/ product/ quality.
Lane Bryant didn’t let me down. They never do. So, now I want to talk about a really HUGE trend. Lace. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Always have, always will. Up until now, lace was mainly for your intimates but it’s mainstreaming in a big way. I love the new shirts with the little peaks of lace. I found a tank top with black lace straps and a quarter lace back. Don’t be afraid to show a peak of skin this summer! Especially when it’s with flirty lace.
Just a little common sense side note, letting your bra straps show? So not cute. If you're going to to wear a tank top that doesn't cover your bra straps, PLEASE invest in a strapless bra. Lane Bryant has a lot to choose from that includes removeable and clear straps.
So, have fun shopping!
And, as always, remember: I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Xoxo. AndaSuddenly it hit me that there was NO possible way that these jeans were labeled correct. Because I was wearing the same style, brand, and size of these jeans. I had even purchased them at the same store a few weeks prior. So I re-dressed and marched myself out to the sales clerk.
So, after all the drama that’s gone on, I decided that it was time to take myself shopping. Well, to take my fiancé and his wallet shopping (ha ha). Good news? I found some major bargains and you all know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE bargains. Bad news? I found out that stores occasionally CHANGE the size standards. Seriously.
Imagine my shock when I stepped into the dressing room to try on a pair of jeans… and they didn’t fit. I had a moment of panic. I hadn’t gained any weight back, at least, I thought I hadn’t. I’d actually been eating healthier since my dad got out of the hospital (doctors orders… for him, not me). Maybe I had gained weight. And suddenly I felt nauseated and I didn’t want to shop anymore.
Wait a second…
“I think these jeans aren’t sized right.”
Eye roll. “No, they’re right.”
Glare. “No, they’re not. I’m wearing these jeans. Same brand, style, size. These” shake jeans at her “are just a different color. Something isn’t right.”
Shrug. “Sometimes they change the sizes.”
WHAT?!
According to my friend’s mom, a fashion consultant, it’s true. Sometimes they change the sizes. So one year your size X might actually be a size Y and the next year it could actually be a size V. Trust me. I was thrown off and totally humiliated at the thought of having to get the next size up. So I didn’t. I went to Lane Bryant instead and got jeans in MY size.
Back to the first store. After the jean fiasco, I decided to raid the panty section and call it quits. Picked out the first cute one in my size and my jaw dropped. There was no way my ass was that large. Seriously, I could nearly wrap them around me. To find ones that fit I had to go down TWO sizes. I really wanted to tell them that their horribly tagged clothes belonged in a discount outlet instead of my favorite store. But I didn’t. As a side note, I’d like to point out that the salesclerk has NO control over prices/ product/ quality.
Lane Bryant didn’t let me down. They never do. So, now I want to talk about a really HUGE trend. Lace. I love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Always have, always will. Up until now, lace was mainly for your intimates but it’s mainstreaming in a big way. I love the new shirts with the little peaks of lace. I found a tank top with black lace straps and a quarter lace back. Don’t be afraid to show a peak of skin this summer! Especially when it’s with flirty lace.
Just a little common sense side note, letting your bra straps show? So not cute. If you're going to to wear a tank top that doesn't cover your bra straps, PLEASE invest in a strapless bra. Lane Bryant has a lot to choose from that includes removeable and clear straps.
So, have fun shopping!
And, as always, remember: I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Xoxo. AndaSuddenly it hit me that there was NO possible way that these jeans were labeled correct. Because I was wearing the same style, brand, and size of these jeans. I had even purchased them at the same store a few weeks prior. So I re-dressed and marched myself out to the sales clerk.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Look Fabulous For Less!
Being frugal doesn't mean looking frumpy.
You can look fabulous for less, you just have to know what to look for.
Finding complete outfits for under $100 is simple!
Mixing and matching outfits is an awesome (and cost-effective!) way to make your wardrobe go far.
Check out these outfits, then add your own personal flare.
Outfit One
This dress from eshatik.com is simple in gray and black, but you can spice it up with accessories or shoes from torrid.com, like I did.
Rosette pin mock two piece dress
$56.95
Iron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel
$39.00
Total: $95.95
Outfit Two
$28.00
$36.94
Total: 64.94
This outfit leaves plenty of play room to add accessories, and a great pair of shoes!
Outfit Three
The top in this picture is fabulous, I hate how they paired it with a long pair of leggins. It doesn't look very good, does it?
Neria in Fuchsia
$27.80
Denim Red Tabbed Cropped Jean$44.00
Pair this outfit with a pair of flats or go with a heel. And remember, accessorize to accent, not to steal the show!
Total: $71.80
These three outfits all came in under $100 and they all look fabulous. Don't be scared to invest in good clothes.
And always remember, be yourself when you dress. Fashion has many faces.
Questions, comments, concerns? Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Be fabulous Big Girls!
Pauline
PS: Don't forget to "like" The Big Girl Code on Facebook!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
What Are You Scared Of?
Personally, I am scared of heights, and spiders. Well more specifically bugs in general, especially if they jump.
Phobias aren't really the point of this blog though. Big Girls, I am going to ask you a question, and I really want you to think about the answer: What are you scared of?
Big Girls, being big ain't easy. Trust me, I'm a pro.
I see so many women who dress to be invisible. Just trying to blend into the background.
What are you scared of?
Someone might notice you? Some people might be offended because you have a little extra fluff? That people will laugh? That the hot guy on aisle 3 might ask for your number?
How you answer that question is very important.
I have noticed a lot of big girls (not Big Girl) lately that seem to have such an awful self image.
The whole thing with being a Big Girl, is the acceptance and knowledge of our bodies.
We know that we are bigger than some other people, but we accept ourselves and find beauty within that acceptance.
This is directly correlated with fashion. Big girls (not Big Girls) tend to dress to fade to the background. And I know that feeling. I struggled to accept myself for a very long time.
But acceptance breeds love for yourself. And when you love yourself, you want to look as good as you feel on the inside.
Fashion plays into this by being the first thing people see. If you don't feel beautiful on the inside, then you won't be able to show it on the outside.
Fashion represents your acceptance.
Take the time to get to know yourself. Accept yourself, and your body.
You only get one, so love it. Flaunt it. Be. Express your self.
You can show the world how amazing Big Girls are. And it isn't a hard thing to do.
Follow the basics. Be creative with it. But most importantly love yourself.
Don't drown yourself in too big clothes. Do find a fabulous fit. Don't feel like you aren't beautiful because you're not a size 2. Do embrace yourself, not matter what size you are.
Don't be scared because of your body. It is beautiful. You are beautiful.
*Try this tomorrow- Stand in front of a full length mirror, naked. And look at yourself. Think of positive thoughts of yourself. It doesn't matter if you have rolls. Or cellulite, or a big ass. Start loving yourself, and see the beautiful you.
I do that every single day. Yes, we are big, and damn it we are gorgeous. Start standing up for yourself, and your Big Girl sisters everywhere. Don't be scared anymore.
Be Fabulous,
Pauline
P.S. Like us on Facebook! And follow us on Twitter @thebiggirlcode
Contact us at prtali@yahoo.com
Phobias aren't really the point of this blog though. Big Girls, I am going to ask you a question, and I really want you to think about the answer: What are you scared of?
Big Girls, being big ain't easy. Trust me, I'm a pro.
I see so many women who dress to be invisible. Just trying to blend into the background.
What are you scared of?
Someone might notice you? Some people might be offended because you have a little extra fluff? That people will laugh? That the hot guy on aisle 3 might ask for your number?
How you answer that question is very important.
I have noticed a lot of big girls (not Big Girl) lately that seem to have such an awful self image.
The whole thing with being a Big Girl, is the acceptance and knowledge of our bodies.
We know that we are bigger than some other people, but we accept ourselves and find beauty within that acceptance.
This is directly correlated with fashion. Big girls (not Big Girls) tend to dress to fade to the background. And I know that feeling. I struggled to accept myself for a very long time.
But acceptance breeds love for yourself. And when you love yourself, you want to look as good as you feel on the inside.
Fashion plays into this by being the first thing people see. If you don't feel beautiful on the inside, then you won't be able to show it on the outside.
Fashion represents your acceptance.
Take the time to get to know yourself. Accept yourself, and your body.
You only get one, so love it. Flaunt it. Be. Express your self.
You can show the world how amazing Big Girls are. And it isn't a hard thing to do.
Follow the basics. Be creative with it. But most importantly love yourself.
Don't drown yourself in too big clothes. Do find a fabulous fit. Don't feel like you aren't beautiful because you're not a size 2. Do embrace yourself, not matter what size you are.
Don't be scared because of your body. It is beautiful. You are beautiful.
*Try this tomorrow- Stand in front of a full length mirror, naked. And look at yourself. Think of positive thoughts of yourself. It doesn't matter if you have rolls. Or cellulite, or a big ass. Start loving yourself, and see the beautiful you.
I do that every single day. Yes, we are big, and damn it we are gorgeous. Start standing up for yourself, and your Big Girl sisters everywhere. Don't be scared anymore.
Be Fabulous,
Pauline
P.S. Like us on Facebook! And follow us on Twitter @thebiggirlcode
Contact us at prtali@yahoo.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Are you ready?
For Spring, that is. It's coming and no one is going to stop it! Plus, I've seen waaaayyy too much snow this year and I am welcoming the coming sunshine!
The real question is, is your closet ready for Spring?
If you don't know the basics to Big Girl fashion, check out our archives, with what to, and what not to wear.
Now, on to the wardrobe! Spring is one my favorite times of year, because it's still cool enough to wear pants, but if you want to go shorter you can! This goes goes for everything, not just pants.
In Spring we see a return of the dress without leggins or hose, we start seeing short sleeves, and maybe even a peek of the summer flipflops!
So during the winter I have done some major looking, and I have found so many places to find cute clothes for us Big Girls. And as Spring gets closer and closer every day, we all need to look into it.
I have put together some of my favorite outfits for this 2011 Spring season.
Make sure to check out all of the websites.
Tips for a great Spring wardrobe:
1. Use color. Spring is when all of the color comes back to nature from the drab of Winter. Use it in your clothes too.
2. Go for a shorter dress. Maxi dresses tend to drag on for days. Look for dress lengths that are either a few inches above the knee (not too short, you don't want to get arrested for indecent exposure!!), At the knee, or just below the knee. Mid calf length dresses work, but try sticking to the knees.
3. It's not summer yet, so you can still work your cardigans!
4. If you go for a print, make sure it fits your body. Not too big, not too small.
*And remember, you can do your own thing, this is just a template*
Here are a few things from the websites that I talked about earlier.
This website is amazing! It's my favorite site that I found. If they don't have your size, or want a better fit, you can send them your measurements and they will custom make any of their clothes for you! They have some of everything, and they make dresses, shirts, jackets, and pants, all that go up to a size 26w that is in-stock and ready to be shipped out.
Eshakti
Chicstar has a lot of dresses, and most of them are retro 50's, but they are absolutely adorable. And they have some pretty cool accessories. Chicstar
You can plug in your size, what you're looking for, and even see if things are on sale at Alight! Alight
Plus Size Fix
Zaftique
Torrid
Size Appeal
Igigi
Those are just a few of the things that are out there to check out.
Don't forget in-store shopping too! Lane Bryant, Avenue, Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Target, Old Navy (they have up to a size 18 in-store and up to 30 online), Even department stores are carrying a selection of plus size clothes.
Warmer weather is on the way, take your closet on headfirst!
Be Fabulous, Big Girls!
-Pauline
Questions or comments? Email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Don't forget to like The Big Girl Code on Facebook!
Monday, January 17, 2011
The "We Are So Sorry About The Lack Of Blogs" Blog
Well it all started when my computer got the blue screen of dealth. And Best Buy just recently gave me a new one. And to top it off my sister nhad a baby and then my dad had open heart surgery. So things have been going a million miles and hour for me. So accept my apologies for not writing anything. There will be plenty of blogs for 2011.
Be Fabulous
- Pauline
My exuses are more flamboyant because, let's be honest, that's my style. The first that sidetracked me was school. When they tell you, "Hey, grades up or finicial aid gone" believe me, you'll change your tune. Then my grandmother has been in the hospital for nearly two months (she's not doing well, so all positive thoughts would be appreciated). THEN... dun dun dun... I got ENGAGED! Yes, yes, thank you, thank you. So, sure, excuses. More blogs? Of course.
Remember: I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Anda
Be Fabulous
- Pauline
My exuses are more flamboyant because, let's be honest, that's my style. The first that sidetracked me was school. When they tell you, "Hey, grades up or finicial aid gone" believe me, you'll change your tune. Then my grandmother has been in the hospital for nearly two months (she's not doing well, so all positive thoughts would be appreciated). THEN... dun dun dun... I got ENGAGED! Yes, yes, thank you, thank you. So, sure, excuses. More blogs? Of course.
Remember: I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!
Anda
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Shape!
Happy Thanksgiving Big Girls (well at least for the Americans)! And happy Thursday for everyone else!
I know we have been slacking with the blogs lately, just bear with us, we're going to keep cranking them out, pinky promise.
On to today's topic: body shapers.
I know that we have all seen those infomercials for the Kymaro Body Shaper. The one that proclaims it makes you look 10-20 pounds slimmer. And we all contemplated picking up the phone right then.
A few weeks ago I was walking through the store and saw this product on the shelf. And for $30 bucks I decided to try it.
Now this wasn't the first body shaper that I have had. I've had one or two in the past, but they weren't like this one.
When I first slipped into this shaper, I was amazed. More than amazed. It slimmed me, it put things in the right place, it made my posture amazing, it hugged me, and to top it off it felt amazing on.
I expected it to be cheap and to not work at all. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, I am not shamelessly advertising this shaper, I wish I was because then they would pay me.
But, Big Girls, there are tons of shapers out there for us to try.
They have them at Lane Bryant, it's called Spanx. Avenue has them, called avenueBody. Catherine's has them too.
If you search online there are endless possibilities to find one that you like.
For example, you can go to barenecessities.com or herroom.com.
Ever tried a body shaper? Still a little confused about them?
I'll explain a bit more.
The function of a body shaper is to move your "extra" stuff around to give you more shape, and to smooth you out.
Most of them are made from spandex and/or other strechy polyester materials.
There are body shapers for just your upper half, and bottom half, and they can also come in a one piece to shape both your top and bottom.
They really do work very well. And they give you amazing shape. Even though we all do have shape already, shapers give your more definition and a totally smooth look. And nobody can argue with better posture.
Anda and I highly recommend investing in one. Wear it with your favorite outfit and see how much more fabulous you look!
We are always here for you at prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome all of your comments, or questions
Look lively Big Girls! The holiday season is here, don't forget to treat yourself!
Be fabulous, Pauline
I know we have been slacking with the blogs lately, just bear with us, we're going to keep cranking them out, pinky promise.
On to today's topic: body shapers.
I know that we have all seen those infomercials for the Kymaro Body Shaper. The one that proclaims it makes you look 10-20 pounds slimmer. And we all contemplated picking up the phone right then.
A few weeks ago I was walking through the store and saw this product on the shelf. And for $30 bucks I decided to try it.
Now this wasn't the first body shaper that I have had. I've had one or two in the past, but they weren't like this one.
When I first slipped into this shaper, I was amazed. More than amazed. It slimmed me, it put things in the right place, it made my posture amazing, it hugged me, and to top it off it felt amazing on.
I expected it to be cheap and to not work at all. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, I am not shamelessly advertising this shaper, I wish I was because then they would pay me.
But, Big Girls, there are tons of shapers out there for us to try.
They have them at Lane Bryant, it's called Spanx. Avenue has them, called avenueBody. Catherine's has them too.
If you search online there are endless possibilities to find one that you like.
For example, you can go to barenecessities.com or herroom.com.
Ever tried a body shaper? Still a little confused about them?
I'll explain a bit more.
The function of a body shaper is to move your "extra" stuff around to give you more shape, and to smooth you out.
Most of them are made from spandex and/or other strechy polyester materials.
There are body shapers for just your upper half, and bottom half, and they can also come in a one piece to shape both your top and bottom.
They really do work very well. And they give you amazing shape. Even though we all do have shape already, shapers give your more definition and a totally smooth look. And nobody can argue with better posture.
Anda and I highly recommend investing in one. Wear it with your favorite outfit and see how much more fabulous you look!
We are always here for you at prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome all of your comments, or questions
Look lively Big Girls! The holiday season is here, don't forget to treat yourself!
Be fabulous, Pauline
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What's In Your Wallet... er, Purse?
Do you carry a purse? I bet you do. Purses are great, they really are, and like Big Girls they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and textures.
So, what kind of bag do you carry? Do you carry a clutch or a gigantic bag? What about one of those chic, across the chest numbers? Do you carry just the basics or are you, as my Dad likes to say, carrying everything but the kitchen sink in your purse?
I have three main bags: a glitzy little number that wears like a messenger bag, a hobo bag that slings low across my body, and an Andy Warhol money bag that can hold a full change of clothes/makeup bag/pair of sneakers/ two books.
As I write this, i'm using my hobo bag. It's pretty much the most practical purse I own (think suede with brassy tones and purple inside). Since I have to lug this bag around campus and up stairs and down stairs and everywhere in between, I try not to carry too much stuff that isn't necessary. I fail a lot with that reasoning, though, because my belief is that I never know what I may need on any given day. Ok, so what I'm trying to say is that I have a whole lot of crap in my bag.
So, what's in my bag?
1) My wallet. I know the whole fad is geared towards those slender wallets, but after breaking my third one (my purse isn’t the only thing I pack full of junk), I decided that I needed something a little more practical but it also couldn’t be reminiscent of my Nanny’s wallet. Simple solution: Poketo. Don’t know it? Look it up at www.poketo.com Poketo is a design studio founded by a husband and wife team, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung (totally cute couple!) They showcase artists through everyday wares. I opted for multicolored check wallet because it holds so much stuff. And yeah, my wallet is full. We’ve got license, social security card, debit card, insurance car (both health and auto), two library print cards, student ID, an Office Depot card, Hot Topic card, Starbucks gift card, four receipts, and $9.81. Oh, and a check book.
2) A camera. You never know when you’re going to need one. If you’re going to carry your camera around, though, make sure you have a nice camera bag for it. I, again, chose a Poketo camera bag (it has owls on it!)
3) A wide variety of pens and one pencil.
4) A bottle of Cherry Blossom lotion from Bath and Body Works.
5) Nina Ricci perfume
6) Tampons.
7) Those really cute little bottles of Tylenol and Advil.
8) Bobby pins and some rubber bands.
9) Some spree and suckers.
10) 9 different kinds of lip gloss/balm. Is that a bit over the top? Sure. But it’s just how I do.
11) Mints.
12) A small bag that I put whatever makeup I’m wearing that day in for quick touchups. Currently: Hard Candy Sheer Envy primer, NP palette, eyeliner and mascara.
13) A mix cd and letter from my BFF, Pauline!
14) A nail file/ clippers.
15) My cell phone and a pair of white earbuds.
16) A spring loaded weighted baton. You know, in case, someone ever tries to attack me.
17) Various receipts that have somehow managed to escape my wallet.
18) A USB shaped like an orange lego.
19) A pair of gloves so that my little fingers don’t freeze off.
20) An extremely cute hat that has ear flaps. Seriously, I’m not one for those kind of hats usually, but this was knitted one and I had to have it.
21) A bottle of Yankee Candle Hand Sanitizer in apple.
Now, you may ask, what is Pauline lugging around?
1) Phone.
2) Wallet.
3) Perfume.
4) Random monetary notes
5) Change
6) At least two lighters that I could never find when I smoked and now I don’t, I pull them out every time.
7) Two kinds of mints
8) A pack of gum
9) Receipts.
10) At least two sets of keys.
11) Hand lotion
12) Gloves
13) Germ-X
14) Deck of cards for impromptu card games with strangers.
15) A phone charger
16) Tampons.
17) And when it starts to snow, I’ll be throwing a hat in there, too!
Ok, cluttered. Both of us, I know, but we’re female and that excuse enough. But what do you really need in your bag?
First, let’s start with the bag. It needs to be cute. It needs to compliment you. Have you ever seen those little tiny girls lugging around HUGE bags? Kind of silly looking, right? Or what about the Big Girl with the itty bitty purse? Looks like she stole her little sisters bag, right? You try on your clothes, so you should also try on your bag. That’s how it works.
Now, cut through your crap. What do you really need? What are your bare essentials? It’s hard, I know, I tried it. I dumped my bag out and decided that I would put in what I absolutely needed.
The wallet went back in, of course, but then I took it back out because there were things in my wallet that I really didn’t need. The receipts could be filed away, so those were the first to go. (Random insert: It’s getting to be that season again. I hope all of you feel generous in any way possible. Publix has a great Food For Sharing program going on and you can buy a bundle starting at right under $6. When you donate, save your receipts and you can write it off on your taxes!) One of the print cards was from two years ago and hadn’t seen any action in a loooong time,. Trash. Everything else I needed to keep. Ok. Wallet back in bag.
The gloves, hat, and hand sanitizer went back in next. It is that season. A pack of mints, two pens, Tylenol, and perfume. Lotion, too. The baton, just in case.
There. Bare essentials. That’s all I needed in my purse.
And then I panicked and put everything I had originally had in my bag back in it. Plus a scarf.
Good grief.
Can you do it, though? Are you stronger willed than I?
Even if the answer is no, I still hope you have a fabulous bag to put all your things and the kitchen sink in.
And remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you! prtali@yahoo.com
Ps- Be on the lookout for our Holiday Guide blog!
So, what kind of bag do you carry? Do you carry a clutch or a gigantic bag? What about one of those chic, across the chest numbers? Do you carry just the basics or are you, as my Dad likes to say, carrying everything but the kitchen sink in your purse?
I have three main bags: a glitzy little number that wears like a messenger bag, a hobo bag that slings low across my body, and an Andy Warhol money bag that can hold a full change of clothes/makeup bag/pair of sneakers/ two books.
As I write this, i'm using my hobo bag. It's pretty much the most practical purse I own (think suede with brassy tones and purple inside). Since I have to lug this bag around campus and up stairs and down stairs and everywhere in between, I try not to carry too much stuff that isn't necessary. I fail a lot with that reasoning, though, because my belief is that I never know what I may need on any given day. Ok, so what I'm trying to say is that I have a whole lot of crap in my bag.
So, what's in my bag?
1) My wallet. I know the whole fad is geared towards those slender wallets, but after breaking my third one (my purse isn’t the only thing I pack full of junk), I decided that I needed something a little more practical but it also couldn’t be reminiscent of my Nanny’s wallet. Simple solution: Poketo. Don’t know it? Look it up at www.poketo.com Poketo is a design studio founded by a husband and wife team, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung (totally cute couple!) They showcase artists through everyday wares. I opted for multicolored check wallet because it holds so much stuff. And yeah, my wallet is full. We’ve got license, social security card, debit card, insurance car (both health and auto), two library print cards, student ID, an Office Depot card, Hot Topic card, Starbucks gift card, four receipts, and $9.81. Oh, and a check book.
2) A camera. You never know when you’re going to need one. If you’re going to carry your camera around, though, make sure you have a nice camera bag for it. I, again, chose a Poketo camera bag (it has owls on it!)
3) A wide variety of pens and one pencil.
4) A bottle of Cherry Blossom lotion from Bath and Body Works.
5) Nina Ricci perfume
6) Tampons.
7) Those really cute little bottles of Tylenol and Advil.
8) Bobby pins and some rubber bands.
9) Some spree and suckers.
10) 9 different kinds of lip gloss/balm. Is that a bit over the top? Sure. But it’s just how I do.
11) Mints.
12) A small bag that I put whatever makeup I’m wearing that day in for quick touchups. Currently: Hard Candy Sheer Envy primer, NP palette, eyeliner and mascara.
13) A mix cd and letter from my BFF, Pauline!
14) A nail file/ clippers.
15) My cell phone and a pair of white earbuds.
16) A spring loaded weighted baton. You know, in case, someone ever tries to attack me.
17) Various receipts that have somehow managed to escape my wallet.
18) A USB shaped like an orange lego.
19) A pair of gloves so that my little fingers don’t freeze off.
20) An extremely cute hat that has ear flaps. Seriously, I’m not one for those kind of hats usually, but this was knitted one and I had to have it.
21) A bottle of Yankee Candle Hand Sanitizer in apple.
Now, you may ask, what is Pauline lugging around?
1) Phone.
2) Wallet.
3) Perfume.
4) Random monetary notes
5) Change
6) At least two lighters that I could never find when I smoked and now I don’t, I pull them out every time.
7) Two kinds of mints
8) A pack of gum
9) Receipts.
10) At least two sets of keys.
11) Hand lotion
12) Gloves
13) Germ-X
14) Deck of cards for impromptu card games with strangers.
15) A phone charger
16) Tampons.
17) And when it starts to snow, I’ll be throwing a hat in there, too!
Ok, cluttered. Both of us, I know, but we’re female and that excuse enough. But what do you really need in your bag?
First, let’s start with the bag. It needs to be cute. It needs to compliment you. Have you ever seen those little tiny girls lugging around HUGE bags? Kind of silly looking, right? Or what about the Big Girl with the itty bitty purse? Looks like she stole her little sisters bag, right? You try on your clothes, so you should also try on your bag. That’s how it works.
Now, cut through your crap. What do you really need? What are your bare essentials? It’s hard, I know, I tried it. I dumped my bag out and decided that I would put in what I absolutely needed.
The wallet went back in, of course, but then I took it back out because there were things in my wallet that I really didn’t need. The receipts could be filed away, so those were the first to go. (Random insert: It’s getting to be that season again. I hope all of you feel generous in any way possible. Publix has a great Food For Sharing program going on and you can buy a bundle starting at right under $6. When you donate, save your receipts and you can write it off on your taxes!) One of the print cards was from two years ago and hadn’t seen any action in a loooong time,. Trash. Everything else I needed to keep. Ok. Wallet back in bag.
The gloves, hat, and hand sanitizer went back in next. It is that season. A pack of mints, two pens, Tylenol, and perfume. Lotion, too. The baton, just in case.
There. Bare essentials. That’s all I needed in my purse.
And then I panicked and put everything I had originally had in my bag back in it. Plus a scarf.
Good grief.
Can you do it, though? Are you stronger willed than I?
Even if the answer is no, I still hope you have a fabulous bag to put all your things and the kitchen sink in.
And remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda.
Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you! prtali@yahoo.com
Ps- Be on the lookout for our Holiday Guide blog!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Halloween
I was having lunch with a friend earlier today and we were discussing out Halloween costumes. At one point in the conversation, he looks at me and says, “I just hope I’m not going overboard.”
My first reaction was to be horrified. Halloween is the perfect time to go overboard and let loose. Wear a wig, create a new persona, be who you want to be. That’s why Halloween is my favorite holiday (that and the fact that Halloween is indeed my birthday. I’ll be 21 and, yes, I will be accepting birthday wishes all week!) But then I decided that there are provisions to the whole concept of letting loose, especially for us Big Girls. A friend of a friend decided she was going as a “slut” for Halloween. Her costume consisted of a bustier, thong, and fishnets. I kindly asked her where she was going to store her fat for the night. Harsh, true, but she ultimately decided not to wear the “costume” and picked something different.
So, here’s a guideline for Halloween costumes.
1) Some things are ok to wear on Halloween. Take this as an example: I hate shiny leggings. Hate them. But for Halloween, I’ll wear them because nothing says Rocky Horror “Sweet Transvestite” quite like shiny leggings. Not matching is totally acceptable on Halloween, too.
2) But don’t think that Halloween gives you a free pass to let it all hang out. Because while it may be something you don’t wear everyday, giving your friends/coworkers an eyeful of what you have going on underneath your clothes is not something you can magically erase.
3) Just because Lady GaGa wore it, doesn’t mean you should. Please refrain from covering yourself with slabs of meat.
4) Ironic costumes are a no-no. I never really understood the point of a big girl/guy wearing a cow/sumo/fat ballerina costume. Story time: I was at work the other day and we do, unfortunately, have the fat ballerina costume. If you’ve never seen this costume atrocity, let me describe it for you: it’s made out of this plasticy material. Flesh colored arms and legs, pink leotard, gold tutu. You fill it up with air. Get the picture? Ok, back to the story. This girl (big but not fabulous) comes in with all her little skinny friends and she BUYS THIS COSTUME. Guess what? It’s sad, not ironic, if you don’t need the air pump to fill out the costume.
5) Wear make-up. And lots of it. If you’re one of the ones who never wears make-up, then Halloween should be your time to do so. I love it. Pink/red/lime green eyeshadow and lots of it. Bright red/black/purple/grey lipstick and lots of it. Fake tattoos and fake eyelashes. Wigs! Wear a wig! All of it’s good and fun and you should enjoy it!
So, whether you decide to be a monster or a witch or a punk rocker, make sure that you’re having fun with it, that you look rad as can be and that above all you won’t be embarrassed when people post pictures of you on face book.
Happy Haunting, my dears.
And, as always, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
Questions? Comments? Birthday wishes? ;)
Prtali@yahoo.com
My first reaction was to be horrified. Halloween is the perfect time to go overboard and let loose. Wear a wig, create a new persona, be who you want to be. That’s why Halloween is my favorite holiday (that and the fact that Halloween is indeed my birthday. I’ll be 21 and, yes, I will be accepting birthday wishes all week!) But then I decided that there are provisions to the whole concept of letting loose, especially for us Big Girls. A friend of a friend decided she was going as a “slut” for Halloween. Her costume consisted of a bustier, thong, and fishnets. I kindly asked her where she was going to store her fat for the night. Harsh, true, but she ultimately decided not to wear the “costume” and picked something different.
So, here’s a guideline for Halloween costumes.
1) Some things are ok to wear on Halloween. Take this as an example: I hate shiny leggings. Hate them. But for Halloween, I’ll wear them because nothing says Rocky Horror “Sweet Transvestite” quite like shiny leggings. Not matching is totally acceptable on Halloween, too.
2) But don’t think that Halloween gives you a free pass to let it all hang out. Because while it may be something you don’t wear everyday, giving your friends/coworkers an eyeful of what you have going on underneath your clothes is not something you can magically erase.
3) Just because Lady GaGa wore it, doesn’t mean you should. Please refrain from covering yourself with slabs of meat.
4) Ironic costumes are a no-no. I never really understood the point of a big girl/guy wearing a cow/sumo/fat ballerina costume. Story time: I was at work the other day and we do, unfortunately, have the fat ballerina costume. If you’ve never seen this costume atrocity, let me describe it for you: it’s made out of this plasticy material. Flesh colored arms and legs, pink leotard, gold tutu. You fill it up with air. Get the picture? Ok, back to the story. This girl (big but not fabulous) comes in with all her little skinny friends and she BUYS THIS COSTUME. Guess what? It’s sad, not ironic, if you don’t need the air pump to fill out the costume.
5) Wear make-up. And lots of it. If you’re one of the ones who never wears make-up, then Halloween should be your time to do so. I love it. Pink/red/lime green eyeshadow and lots of it. Bright red/black/purple/grey lipstick and lots of it. Fake tattoos and fake eyelashes. Wigs! Wear a wig! All of it’s good and fun and you should enjoy it!
So, whether you decide to be a monster or a witch or a punk rocker, make sure that you’re having fun with it, that you look rad as can be and that above all you won’t be embarrassed when people post pictures of you on face book.
Happy Haunting, my dears.
And, as always, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
Questions? Comments? Birthday wishes? ;)
Prtali@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
We LOVE To Shop!
It's true. Big Girls love to shop just as much as anyone else.
This is a list of all the places that Anda and I love to shop at.
1. I absolutely adore Lane Bryant. I go there for jeans, leggins, shirts, bras, panties and everything else in between. Plus they carry Seven apparel, and they recently started carrying DKNY.
http://www.lanebryant.com/
2. Avenue. You can usually find something good in this store. Anda likes their skinny jeans, leggins, and panties. Plus they have amazing sales!
http://www.avenue,com/
3. Torrid. They have some really really cute clothes here. It is more geared to the younger generations, and isn't so big on career wear.
http://www.torrid.com/
4. Old Navy. I love Old Navy. They go up to a XXL in stores, but they have sizes 16-30 online, and they offer free shipping. They have some really cute stuff, and it's affordable!
http://www.oldnavy.com/
5. Target. Anda and I both love love love Target. They have a pretty good selection of plus size clothes to choose from. Just be careful when you go in and look, because even though they have some good stuff, they also have some very bad stuff, that no one should be wearing. They also have awesome bags and scarves. Great for accessory shopping!
http://www.target.com/
6. I love Burlington Coat Factory too. You have to look to find something perfect, but when you find it it is pure bliss!
7. Ross. Anda loves Ross for bags. They have awesome deals on bags, and really cute ones too.
8. Hot Topic. If you like music and you want everyone else to know it, go pick up some band shirts from here. They also have really awesome accessories, and bags too.
http://www.hottopic.com/
9. Walgreens/Local drug store. You can pick up all of your everyday needs from these stores. Its convenient and easier than going to a huge store to pick up everyday essentials.
10. Ulta. I love make up stores. Plain and simple. I would live in Ulta if I could. They have every kind of make up that you could imagine, plus fragrances, and a hair salon. And they have an awesome rewards program!
http://www.ulta.com/
As professional Big Girls, we have figured out what places have the best fashions for us. When you shop at these places they don't disappoint! We love them, and we hope that you will too!
xox- Pauline
Need help? Have suggestions? Write us!
prtali@yahoo.com We'd love to hea from you!
This is a list of all the places that Anda and I love to shop at.
1. I absolutely adore Lane Bryant. I go there for jeans, leggins, shirts, bras, panties and everything else in between. Plus they carry Seven apparel, and they recently started carrying DKNY.
http://www.lanebryant.com/
2. Avenue. You can usually find something good in this store. Anda likes their skinny jeans, leggins, and panties. Plus they have amazing sales!
http://www.avenue,com/
3. Torrid. They have some really really cute clothes here. It is more geared to the younger generations, and isn't so big on career wear.
http://www.torrid.com/
4. Old Navy. I love Old Navy. They go up to a XXL in stores, but they have sizes 16-30 online, and they offer free shipping. They have some really cute stuff, and it's affordable!
http://www.oldnavy.com/
5. Target. Anda and I both love love love Target. They have a pretty good selection of plus size clothes to choose from. Just be careful when you go in and look, because even though they have some good stuff, they also have some very bad stuff, that no one should be wearing. They also have awesome bags and scarves. Great for accessory shopping!
http://www.target.com/
6. I love Burlington Coat Factory too. You have to look to find something perfect, but when you find it it is pure bliss!
7. Ross. Anda loves Ross for bags. They have awesome deals on bags, and really cute ones too.
8. Hot Topic. If you like music and you want everyone else to know it, go pick up some band shirts from here. They also have really awesome accessories, and bags too.
http://www.hottopic.com/
9. Walgreens/Local drug store. You can pick up all of your everyday needs from these stores. Its convenient and easier than going to a huge store to pick up everyday essentials.
10. Ulta. I love make up stores. Plain and simple. I would live in Ulta if I could. They have every kind of make up that you could imagine, plus fragrances, and a hair salon. And they have an awesome rewards program!
http://www.ulta.com/
As professional Big Girls, we have figured out what places have the best fashions for us. When you shop at these places they don't disappoint! We love them, and we hope that you will too!
xox- Pauline
Need help? Have suggestions? Write us!
prtali@yahoo.com We'd love to hea from you!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Own Your Style
The purpose of our entire blog is to guide. While I hope that you follow our guide, I also hope that you own your own style. Not everything that we write about (fashion-wise) will work for you or you just may not feel comfortable wearing it (I have a friend who refuses to wear leggings).
Take this as an example: I’ve always thought that certain shades of navy (yes… there are different shades!) and black work well together. Most people will tell you that they clash, though, so I’ve always avoided wearing the two together. Until last week. Last week, I picked up an older edition of O Magazine, and Oprah’s Creative Director Adam told me that he thought thinking navy and black went together meant I had a real sense of style. Ok, he wasn’t talking to me directly, but those were his words. I still shudder at the thought of black and brown together, but now I feel free to wear my cute navy top with some cute black leggings. (I would like to say that I think black on top and navy on bottom looks awkward.)
Speaking of leggings, my dears, I think we should set a few ground rules. Especially since it’s fall (YAY!) and fall is definitely my favorite time of year to wear leggings.
1) Just say no to… spandex. Your leggings should NOT be made of spandex. Try suede or denim or cloth or nylon, anything but spandex.
2) No thick leggings. Hello! Leggings give shape. Why would you want to wear thick leggings that add bulk?
3) Do not treat your leggings as pants because they are not pants.
4) Longer tops work with leggings. Longer tops cover your butt, hips, and tummy.
5) Proper footwear. Flats, low heels, boots, and yes, even a pair of converse (I’m going to be that punk rock kid until I die) work well with leggings. Know what doesn’t? High heels. Can we say trailer trash? Thought so. Olivia Newton John is the only person who could ever pull this look off.
Now, I have to tell you about my MUST HAVE item for October. SCARVES! I love scarves. Why? Let me count the reasons. They pull an outfit together, they keep your neck warm, they add color to a dreary outfit, they cover hickeys, double chins, and anything else you might want to camouflage.
Pauline’s MUST HAVE item for October is the ever warm and comfortable and stylish fleece jacket!
What about those days that aren’t so cold? Try a nice light sweater. This past spring Avenue was having a HUGE sale on winter apparel. I’m not usually one to buy three seasons in advance, but I saw this completely cute sweater (think long, light beige, very versatile) with an even cuter price ($11 marked down from $45!). The best part? I can wear my tank tops underneath because I’m not quite ready to give them up just yet.
Another fall favorite? A blazer. Not your father’s blazer, mind you, but a woman’s fitted blazer.
I love hoodies as well, just make sure it’s the right kind of hoodie. Don’t go for the thick, boyish looking ones. I’m a fan of the t-shirt material hoodies because they’re light, come in a great array of colors and add little to no bulk.
So, here’s your guide.
Mix it up. (My blazer has My Chemical Romance patches on it.)
Own your style.
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox,
Anda
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
Prtali@yahoo.com
Take this as an example: I’ve always thought that certain shades of navy (yes… there are different shades!) and black work well together. Most people will tell you that they clash, though, so I’ve always avoided wearing the two together. Until last week. Last week, I picked up an older edition of O Magazine, and Oprah’s Creative Director Adam told me that he thought thinking navy and black went together meant I had a real sense of style. Ok, he wasn’t talking to me directly, but those were his words. I still shudder at the thought of black and brown together, but now I feel free to wear my cute navy top with some cute black leggings. (I would like to say that I think black on top and navy on bottom looks awkward.)
Speaking of leggings, my dears, I think we should set a few ground rules. Especially since it’s fall (YAY!) and fall is definitely my favorite time of year to wear leggings.
1) Just say no to… spandex. Your leggings should NOT be made of spandex. Try suede or denim or cloth or nylon, anything but spandex.
2) No thick leggings. Hello! Leggings give shape. Why would you want to wear thick leggings that add bulk?
3) Do not treat your leggings as pants because they are not pants.
4) Longer tops work with leggings. Longer tops cover your butt, hips, and tummy.
5) Proper footwear. Flats, low heels, boots, and yes, even a pair of converse (I’m going to be that punk rock kid until I die) work well with leggings. Know what doesn’t? High heels. Can we say trailer trash? Thought so. Olivia Newton John is the only person who could ever pull this look off.
Now, I have to tell you about my MUST HAVE item for October. SCARVES! I love scarves. Why? Let me count the reasons. They pull an outfit together, they keep your neck warm, they add color to a dreary outfit, they cover hickeys, double chins, and anything else you might want to camouflage.
Pauline’s MUST HAVE item for October is the ever warm and comfortable and stylish fleece jacket!
What about those days that aren’t so cold? Try a nice light sweater. This past spring Avenue was having a HUGE sale on winter apparel. I’m not usually one to buy three seasons in advance, but I saw this completely cute sweater (think long, light beige, very versatile) with an even cuter price ($11 marked down from $45!). The best part? I can wear my tank tops underneath because I’m not quite ready to give them up just yet.
Another fall favorite? A blazer. Not your father’s blazer, mind you, but a woman’s fitted blazer.
I love hoodies as well, just make sure it’s the right kind of hoodie. Don’t go for the thick, boyish looking ones. I’m a fan of the t-shirt material hoodies because they’re light, come in a great array of colors and add little to no bulk.
So, here’s your guide.
Mix it up. (My blazer has My Chemical Romance patches on it.)
Own your style.
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox,
Anda
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
Prtali@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Must Have IT!
Must Have IT!
If you’re anything like me, you have a problem with impulse buying. I know I do, especially when it comes to new skin/hair/nail/makeup products. My bathroom cabinets (and a few storage bins in my room) are full of products I bought on impulse, used a couple times, deemed them crap, and put in a box for “later inspection”. Sound familiar? I’ve compiled a list of things that I firmly believe you must-have (and Pauline made one, too!) I’m not saying that you should never buy any other items because there is always room to try new things, but these should always be in your cabinet and should always be your backup plan when the new items turn out to be complete garbage.
Anda’s List of Must-Haves
Skin Care
1) Anything from Neutrogena. Seriously. I’m a huge fan of their “rapid action” products. I’ve used all sorts of products and none of them ever worked for me until I started using Neutrogena. (on a side note, if your face is naturally oily… you don’t need a moisturizer!)
2) Everyone needs, AT A MINIMUM, two different kinds of lotion. One that locks in moisture after a shower and at night before you go to bed, and one that smells nice for during the day use. Since I’m a tattoo freak, I’m a huge fan Aveeno. It’s fragrance free, so it is especially good if you have sensitive skin. For the other lotion, try something from Bath and Body Works (I really love their summer collection of coconut based lotions). Don’t want to spend a lot? Suave has just come out with a line of lotions comparable to the Bath and Body Works line.
3) Bikini Zone shave gel. Use it EVERYWHERE you shave. Underarms, legs, wherever, wherever. Soaps dry out your skin when you’re shaving. Bikini Zone contains no soap and it aloe based. Result? Smoother, less irritated legs.
4) Bio Oil. It works on stretch marks, scars, uneven skin and dark circles. In a clinical study, 90% saw improved skin. I’m using it myself on some scars, and it really works!
5) A good moisturizer. Pick your brand. Look at the ingredients! If you have acne prone skin, avoid anything that is oil or petroleum based.
HAIR
1) Neutrogena makes a great once a week anti-residue shampoo (no, this does not mean you only have to wash your hair once a week!) that removes hair product build-up. I usually wash my hair with it on Sunday so that my hair is a clean palette for the week.
2) A good shampoo/conditioner. Again, pick your brand. Don’t be afraid to mix it up either! I personally like Herbal Essence’s Tousle Me Softly shampoo and Coconut Milk conditioner. Here’s my spill on why you shouldn’t buy overly expensive shampoo: HELLO! You’re washing it out of your hair! Save your money for good hair product.
3) Such as Frederic Fekkai’s Glossing Crème. It’s made with olive oil and makes your hair ridiculously soft and sleek.
4) A solid hairbrush. You’d be surprised what the right hairbrush can do for you.
5) If you plan to put your hair up in any kind of ponytail make sure you’re using the right kind of hair bands. Scunci has this pretty amazing line of hair bands that are metal-free and no-pull. They’re made of soft silicone and is really great if you have a sensitive scalp.
6) Dry shampoo. Why? Because if you’re like me, sometimes you overdo it with the Fekkai Crème and have no time to shower again. If you have dark hair make sure the spray says that it’s INVISIBLE or you’re going to end up with white powder all over your gorgeous locks.
7) A cute headband. I always feel like I’m channeling Blair from Gossip Girl when I slip on a headband, and that is not a bad thing!
BEAUTY
This one is tricky because not everyone likes make-up and not everyone looks good in make-up. But here’s a tip for those of you who do wear make-up: Less can be beautiful. I really can not stomach the sight of women who appear to be wearing half a bottle of foundation. You don’t need that much! If your skin is so bad that you feel you need to cake on foundation, then you actually don’t need it. Instead you need to focus on letting your skin breathe and heal. Foundation will clog pores. Another tip? Wash your make-up off EVERY night before bed. I know, especially with girls around my age that after a night of going out you really just want to pass out. It only takes a few seconds to wash your face. Plus, no one looks good when they wake up with raccoon eyes.
If you wear make-up:
1) A good foundation/ eyeshadow primer. This creates a barrier between your skin and the gunk you’re putting on it. I admit that I don’t use a foundation primer because I’m a loose powder kind of girl because I can’t abide by a heavy feeling foundation. Pauline suggests Smashbox for your primer and the Lorac brand for both your actual foundation and eyeshadow primer. I’d also like to point out that a lot of common brands are making primers. L’Oreal (whom I love love love) has come out with a line of “Hollywood Secrets” and their primers are pretty awesome.
2) A solid eyeliner. No one looks good with overly smudged eyeliner. Get an eyeliner that defines AND STAYS. Pauline’s pick- Urban Decay. Anda’s pick- I’m a huge fan of Cover Girl’s new Eyelight collection.
3) Fabulous mascara. Don’t buy the cheap stuff, trust me. The cheap stuff damages your eyelashes. I’m having a love affair with L’Oreal’s Collagen Boost mascara. Try it. Love it.
4) Cotton swabs/ baby wipes. Cotton swaps fix little make-up mishaps. Baby wipes take away make-up. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
IF YOU DON’T WEAR MAKE-UP
A good lip balm. If you want to go for something with a splash of color, try Nivea’s line of lip balm.
Also, just a little side note… WEAR PERFUME! Seriously. Even a light body spray goes a long way.
And wear deodorant. I mean it.
So, I know you want to ask us questions. I know you do! Send us questions, comments, random life rants! We want to hear from you! Prtali@yahoo.com
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL DAMN IT.”
Xoxox
Anda
If you’re anything like me, you have a problem with impulse buying. I know I do, especially when it comes to new skin/hair/nail/makeup products. My bathroom cabinets (and a few storage bins in my room) are full of products I bought on impulse, used a couple times, deemed them crap, and put in a box for “later inspection”. Sound familiar? I’ve compiled a list of things that I firmly believe you must-have (and Pauline made one, too!) I’m not saying that you should never buy any other items because there is always room to try new things, but these should always be in your cabinet and should always be your backup plan when the new items turn out to be complete garbage.
Anda’s List of Must-Haves
Skin Care
1) Anything from Neutrogena. Seriously. I’m a huge fan of their “rapid action” products. I’ve used all sorts of products and none of them ever worked for me until I started using Neutrogena. (on a side note, if your face is naturally oily… you don’t need a moisturizer!)
2) Everyone needs, AT A MINIMUM, two different kinds of lotion. One that locks in moisture after a shower and at night before you go to bed, and one that smells nice for during the day use. Since I’m a tattoo freak, I’m a huge fan Aveeno. It’s fragrance free, so it is especially good if you have sensitive skin. For the other lotion, try something from Bath and Body Works (I really love their summer collection of coconut based lotions). Don’t want to spend a lot? Suave has just come out with a line of lotions comparable to the Bath and Body Works line.
3) Bikini Zone shave gel. Use it EVERYWHERE you shave. Underarms, legs, wherever, wherever. Soaps dry out your skin when you’re shaving. Bikini Zone contains no soap and it aloe based. Result? Smoother, less irritated legs.
4) Bio Oil. It works on stretch marks, scars, uneven skin and dark circles. In a clinical study, 90% saw improved skin. I’m using it myself on some scars, and it really works!
5) A good moisturizer. Pick your brand. Look at the ingredients! If you have acne prone skin, avoid anything that is oil or petroleum based.
HAIR
1) Neutrogena makes a great once a week anti-residue shampoo (no, this does not mean you only have to wash your hair once a week!) that removes hair product build-up. I usually wash my hair with it on Sunday so that my hair is a clean palette for the week.
2) A good shampoo/conditioner. Again, pick your brand. Don’t be afraid to mix it up either! I personally like Herbal Essence’s Tousle Me Softly shampoo and Coconut Milk conditioner. Here’s my spill on why you shouldn’t buy overly expensive shampoo: HELLO! You’re washing it out of your hair! Save your money for good hair product.
3) Such as Frederic Fekkai’s Glossing Crème. It’s made with olive oil and makes your hair ridiculously soft and sleek.
4) A solid hairbrush. You’d be surprised what the right hairbrush can do for you.
5) If you plan to put your hair up in any kind of ponytail make sure you’re using the right kind of hair bands. Scunci has this pretty amazing line of hair bands that are metal-free and no-pull. They’re made of soft silicone and is really great if you have a sensitive scalp.
6) Dry shampoo. Why? Because if you’re like me, sometimes you overdo it with the Fekkai Crème and have no time to shower again. If you have dark hair make sure the spray says that it’s INVISIBLE or you’re going to end up with white powder all over your gorgeous locks.
7) A cute headband. I always feel like I’m channeling Blair from Gossip Girl when I slip on a headband, and that is not a bad thing!
BEAUTY
This one is tricky because not everyone likes make-up and not everyone looks good in make-up. But here’s a tip for those of you who do wear make-up: Less can be beautiful. I really can not stomach the sight of women who appear to be wearing half a bottle of foundation. You don’t need that much! If your skin is so bad that you feel you need to cake on foundation, then you actually don’t need it. Instead you need to focus on letting your skin breathe and heal. Foundation will clog pores. Another tip? Wash your make-up off EVERY night before bed. I know, especially with girls around my age that after a night of going out you really just want to pass out. It only takes a few seconds to wash your face. Plus, no one looks good when they wake up with raccoon eyes.
If you wear make-up:
1) A good foundation/ eyeshadow primer. This creates a barrier between your skin and the gunk you’re putting on it. I admit that I don’t use a foundation primer because I’m a loose powder kind of girl because I can’t abide by a heavy feeling foundation. Pauline suggests Smashbox for your primer and the Lorac brand for both your actual foundation and eyeshadow primer. I’d also like to point out that a lot of common brands are making primers. L’Oreal (whom I love love love) has come out with a line of “Hollywood Secrets” and their primers are pretty awesome.
2) A solid eyeliner. No one looks good with overly smudged eyeliner. Get an eyeliner that defines AND STAYS. Pauline’s pick- Urban Decay. Anda’s pick- I’m a huge fan of Cover Girl’s new Eyelight collection.
3) Fabulous mascara. Don’t buy the cheap stuff, trust me. The cheap stuff damages your eyelashes. I’m having a love affair with L’Oreal’s Collagen Boost mascara. Try it. Love it.
4) Cotton swabs/ baby wipes. Cotton swaps fix little make-up mishaps. Baby wipes take away make-up. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
IF YOU DON’T WEAR MAKE-UP
A good lip balm. If you want to go for something with a splash of color, try Nivea’s line of lip balm.
Also, just a little side note… WEAR PERFUME! Seriously. Even a light body spray goes a long way.
And wear deodorant. I mean it.
So, I know you want to ask us questions. I know you do! Send us questions, comments, random life rants! We want to hear from you! Prtali@yahoo.com
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL DAMN IT.”
Xoxox
Anda
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Your Boyfriend Is An Accesory
This blog is going to deal with your greatest, and sometimes most troublesome, accessory. Your boyfriend.
I hope all of you out there are either happily single or have found a man that makes you happy and treats you like the fabulous big girl you are.
You know what makes me mad? When I see a beautiful, stylish, fabulous girl with a guy who looks like he A) has been playing in the mud, B) is pretty sure Zest is something you use to spice up the chicken, or C) feels that he’s with a big girl so he doesn’t have to try to look good because she’ll stay with no matter what. (Sadly, C is pretty much a reality when dealing with a girl who has no self-esteem.) Think of your boyfriend as a staple in your wardrobe of life- he should compliment your changes and personality and should look good while doing it.
The problem? Some guys are resistant to change and some of you ladies are lazy. I know it takes a lot to mold a guy, trust me I do. But that’s where it gets fun. Think of your man as a vintage bag. Someone else has owned him at one point, they might have even messed him up, and now it’s your turn to wipe the dirt away and buff out all the scuff marks.
I like to think of my boyfriend as a pair of Christian Louboutin’s that another girl left out in the rain. When we first met, I knew he’d be a lot of work. He was tall and lean, had great hair and teeth, and knew that he could melt a girl with his smile. Problem? His clothes. His last girlfriend had been some freak show who thought that boys only looked good in those god-awful Tripp pants and black t-shirts. I like to think that he was young and impressionable (she was older than him) rather than he actually liked those stupid pants. Honest to God, the pants almost ruined everything. Silly, but true. I did give him a chance and it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.
But those pants had to go.
I didn’t charge in and throw out his whole wardrobe, and you shouldn’t try to do it either. Men hate change, it’s a fact. Do as I did and gradually introduce new things to him. The first thing I bought him was a few pairs of jeans, regular fit and skinny. Then we started going shopping together. At first, he hated going anywhere that wasn’t Hot Topic, but I finally got him to go into a few different stores. It took me a week to convince him to wear a V-neck, but when he finally did, he realized how ridiculous a V-neck looks with those horrible Tripp pants and he started wearing the skinny jeans. Once you get your guy out of his comfort zone, BACK OFF. Too much, too soon will propel him back into his ugly habits. After a few months, he realized how much he loved the skinny jeans and the V-necks and slim fit tees. Once he was comfortable with that, I added to his wardrobe. A cute vest, some nice button downs, etc.
Now, why did I go to all this trouble? Because he is my vintage bag, my Louboutin’s, my arm candy.
I'm not saying that you can't love your man and all his flaws because you can. But wouldn't you tell your best friend if she was looking a hot mess? Yeah, I thought so. It's the same principle.
Your boyfriend is your accessory, ladies. Do not let him go into public smelling or looking a hot mess. Because no one wants to see your honey at his worst.
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
I hope all of you out there are either happily single or have found a man that makes you happy and treats you like the fabulous big girl you are.
You know what makes me mad? When I see a beautiful, stylish, fabulous girl with a guy who looks like he A) has been playing in the mud, B) is pretty sure Zest is something you use to spice up the chicken, or C) feels that he’s with a big girl so he doesn’t have to try to look good because she’ll stay with no matter what. (Sadly, C is pretty much a reality when dealing with a girl who has no self-esteem.) Think of your boyfriend as a staple in your wardrobe of life- he should compliment your changes and personality and should look good while doing it.
The problem? Some guys are resistant to change and some of you ladies are lazy. I know it takes a lot to mold a guy, trust me I do. But that’s where it gets fun. Think of your man as a vintage bag. Someone else has owned him at one point, they might have even messed him up, and now it’s your turn to wipe the dirt away and buff out all the scuff marks.
I like to think of my boyfriend as a pair of Christian Louboutin’s that another girl left out in the rain. When we first met, I knew he’d be a lot of work. He was tall and lean, had great hair and teeth, and knew that he could melt a girl with his smile. Problem? His clothes. His last girlfriend had been some freak show who thought that boys only looked good in those god-awful Tripp pants and black t-shirts. I like to think that he was young and impressionable (she was older than him) rather than he actually liked those stupid pants. Honest to God, the pants almost ruined everything. Silly, but true. I did give him a chance and it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.
But those pants had to go.
I didn’t charge in and throw out his whole wardrobe, and you shouldn’t try to do it either. Men hate change, it’s a fact. Do as I did and gradually introduce new things to him. The first thing I bought him was a few pairs of jeans, regular fit and skinny. Then we started going shopping together. At first, he hated going anywhere that wasn’t Hot Topic, but I finally got him to go into a few different stores. It took me a week to convince him to wear a V-neck, but when he finally did, he realized how ridiculous a V-neck looks with those horrible Tripp pants and he started wearing the skinny jeans. Once you get your guy out of his comfort zone, BACK OFF. Too much, too soon will propel him back into his ugly habits. After a few months, he realized how much he loved the skinny jeans and the V-necks and slim fit tees. Once he was comfortable with that, I added to his wardrobe. A cute vest, some nice button downs, etc.
Now, why did I go to all this trouble? Because he is my vintage bag, my Louboutin’s, my arm candy.
I'm not saying that you can't love your man and all his flaws because you can. But wouldn't you tell your best friend if she was looking a hot mess? Yeah, I thought so. It's the same principle.
Your boyfriend is your accessory, ladies. Do not let him go into public smelling or looking a hot mess. Because no one wants to see your honey at his worst.
Remember, “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Acceptance
Being big in a thin-centric world is hard. It's not impossible though.
I am nearly 100% positive that all of us have been at the butt end of jokes and other ridicule due to our weight. Especially in grade school. But now that we are grown up, how do we deal with it?
How do we deal with an unruly classmate in college or a jerk at the office?
It isn't the easiest thing to deal with, but it is a fact that Big Girls (and guys too) get teased. And I am going to try and give you some ideas about how to deal with it. And how to do it without throwing a punch or going to jail.
All kinds of people pick on us. And they can be broken down into three different categories. The skinny bitch, the average joe, and the ugly.
First the reason why the skinny bitch takes swipes at us. They can be male or female. But they are pretty much all the same. The reason they say ugly things about our weight is that they are mad at us. They hate us because we can look good at our size. And it especially pisses them off when we have a man hanging off of us and they don't.
Second is the average joe. They can also be male or female. I usually have found that this is a small percentage compared to the other two categories. But these people tease because of their own attitude. They might have had a bad day or week or they are going through something that has them down and they want to drag you down with them so that they don't feel that they are alone on the bottom. Basically they want a "pick me up", and to them we are the perfect target.
Last is the ugly. Now don't give me grief for saying what I am about to say, because I know we have all been through it. But physically ugly people love to tease us Big Girls. And when I say ugly, I mean when they fell out of the ugly tree, every single branch hit them on the way down. And they tease us about our weight because people teased them about their physical attributes, or lack there of. It is a vicious cycle.
And as for being ugly, all three types of these people are ugly. If not on the outside then on the inside. And if it at all makes you feel any better about it, we may be fat, but they will always be ugly. Not even the greatest plastic surgeon can fix what's on the inside. Ever.
To deal with these people, depending on where you were, I would either 1. just walk away. Defuse the situation by leaving. If you do this, it takes away the power of what they said to you. This works well if you are in a situation where you do not have to deal with the person(s) on a daily basis or very much at all.
Or 2. Confront them. Get on your big fat soap box and tell em that yes, I am a Big Girl, and yes I am just as attractive as skinny Sally in accounting, or the girl in the cowboy hat standing at the bar. Beauty is as beauty does. So I'm not your cup of tea with heavy cream? Don't look, dickhead.
When people start in on you, they do it because of their own self image and self esteem issues. Don't let their words drag you through the mud. You are not a mat and you are not to be walked all over. You are worth far too much for that.
And I know that just because you are confident, it doesn't mean that the words don't hurt.
I would journal about it, or talk to your friends about it. Get a therapist if you need to. The whole "suffer in silence" thing isn't worth the emotional damage that you may suffer from in the end.
Talk about it with people and it will take a huge weight off your shoulders.
And always remember: Hold your head up. Be confident, plus confidence is a very sexy thing. You are beautiful. Live your life on your terms, and don't let all of the jerks in this world mess with your head.
Don't be afraid, Big Girls!
You run this world.
Xoxo- Pauline
I am nearly 100% positive that all of us have been at the butt end of jokes and other ridicule due to our weight. Especially in grade school. But now that we are grown up, how do we deal with it?
How do we deal with an unruly classmate in college or a jerk at the office?
It isn't the easiest thing to deal with, but it is a fact that Big Girls (and guys too) get teased. And I am going to try and give you some ideas about how to deal with it. And how to do it without throwing a punch or going to jail.
All kinds of people pick on us. And they can be broken down into three different categories. The skinny bitch, the average joe, and the ugly.
First the reason why the skinny bitch takes swipes at us. They can be male or female. But they are pretty much all the same. The reason they say ugly things about our weight is that they are mad at us. They hate us because we can look good at our size. And it especially pisses them off when we have a man hanging off of us and they don't.
Second is the average joe. They can also be male or female. I usually have found that this is a small percentage compared to the other two categories. But these people tease because of their own attitude. They might have had a bad day or week or they are going through something that has them down and they want to drag you down with them so that they don't feel that they are alone on the bottom. Basically they want a "pick me up", and to them we are the perfect target.
Last is the ugly. Now don't give me grief for saying what I am about to say, because I know we have all been through it. But physically ugly people love to tease us Big Girls. And when I say ugly, I mean when they fell out of the ugly tree, every single branch hit them on the way down. And they tease us about our weight because people teased them about their physical attributes, or lack there of. It is a vicious cycle.
And as for being ugly, all three types of these people are ugly. If not on the outside then on the inside. And if it at all makes you feel any better about it, we may be fat, but they will always be ugly. Not even the greatest plastic surgeon can fix what's on the inside. Ever.
To deal with these people, depending on where you were, I would either 1. just walk away. Defuse the situation by leaving. If you do this, it takes away the power of what they said to you. This works well if you are in a situation where you do not have to deal with the person(s) on a daily basis or very much at all.
Or 2. Confront them. Get on your big fat soap box and tell em that yes, I am a Big Girl, and yes I am just as attractive as skinny Sally in accounting, or the girl in the cowboy hat standing at the bar. Beauty is as beauty does. So I'm not your cup of tea with heavy cream? Don't look, dickhead.
When people start in on you, they do it because of their own self image and self esteem issues. Don't let their words drag you through the mud. You are not a mat and you are not to be walked all over. You are worth far too much for that.
And I know that just because you are confident, it doesn't mean that the words don't hurt.
I would journal about it, or talk to your friends about it. Get a therapist if you need to. The whole "suffer in silence" thing isn't worth the emotional damage that you may suffer from in the end.
Talk about it with people and it will take a huge weight off your shoulders.
And always remember: Hold your head up. Be confident, plus confidence is a very sexy thing. You are beautiful. Live your life on your terms, and don't let all of the jerks in this world mess with your head.
Don't be afraid, Big Girls!
You run this world.
Xoxo- Pauline
Friday, September 10, 2010
When Skinny Jeans Attack!
While I was walking to class the other, I saw a girl who looked like her jeans were attacking here. Seriously. They appeared to be cutting into her thighs and hips, and I think they may have been trying to strangle her calves.
Here’s the deal, ladies. There is a difference between “skinny jeans” and “strangle jeans”. When you’re a big girl, skinny jeans are something you MUST approach carefully. Not all big girls can rock the fitted jeans, and if you can’t, then don’t wear them.
Signs that your skinny jeans are too skinny:
1) If they give you a muffin top.
2) If you lose any type of feeling and/or circulation.
3) If you can’t bend your knees.
4) If the material makes any of your jiggle bulge.
Seriously, though, I can’t imagine wearing anything that would make me uncomfortable. Fashion doesn’t have to be painful (we leave that to the skinny bitches).
Also, I feel compelled to add that they make jeans to fit every sort of girl out there. (Pauline did a blog on body types. If you missed it, go read it.) Lane Bryant and Avenue both sell an array of jeans that fit your body type and are reasonably affordable. Several times a year both stores have sales on jeans. Why am I saying this? Because I can not STAND the sight of big girls in cloth shorts and sweat pants. Honestly, I can’t stand the sight of ANY woman in sweat pants in public. I especially hate when bigger girls try to copy that ugly fad skinny bitches seem to love (wearing ironically large sweat pants when they are a size 0). That doesn’t work for us, girls. It just makes us look larger. ESPECIALLY when you wear the sweat pants that have the elastic at the bottom that hugs your ankle. If you must wear sweat pants (and I really wish you wouldn’t), then choose the type that is open ended at the bottom. (the Starter brand offers a line of these).
I admit, I occasionally wear sweat pants. At home. Where no one can see me except for my dogs. Never in public, though.
Another thing you should never wear in public? Cloth shorts. Cloth shorts are made for sleepy time and nothing else. They make me ill for two reasons. 1) They never stay in place. At some point that are going to ride up and you are either going to have to pull them down (ick) or just walk around with what I like to call an “all around wedgie (use your imagination). 2) A person who wears cloth shorts are usually wearing a t-shirt, probably a dirty t-shirt, and therefore they do not looked pulled together.
That’s the whole point of this blog, right? To look better, too feel better, and too deal with life’s big girl haters. You don’t feel good? Don’t feel like dressing up? You’d be surprised how good a messy (think surfer chic) ponytail, fitted jeans, and a nice t-shirt or hoodie looks. And that is low maintenance.
So, here’s the spill: Wear jeans, not sweat pants/cloth shorts. Don’t wear strangle jeans.
And as always, remember: “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
Here’s the deal, ladies. There is a difference between “skinny jeans” and “strangle jeans”. When you’re a big girl, skinny jeans are something you MUST approach carefully. Not all big girls can rock the fitted jeans, and if you can’t, then don’t wear them.
Signs that your skinny jeans are too skinny:
1) If they give you a muffin top.
2) If you lose any type of feeling and/or circulation.
3) If you can’t bend your knees.
4) If the material makes any of your jiggle bulge.
Seriously, though, I can’t imagine wearing anything that would make me uncomfortable. Fashion doesn’t have to be painful (we leave that to the skinny bitches).
Also, I feel compelled to add that they make jeans to fit every sort of girl out there. (Pauline did a blog on body types. If you missed it, go read it.) Lane Bryant and Avenue both sell an array of jeans that fit your body type and are reasonably affordable. Several times a year both stores have sales on jeans. Why am I saying this? Because I can not STAND the sight of big girls in cloth shorts and sweat pants. Honestly, I can’t stand the sight of ANY woman in sweat pants in public. I especially hate when bigger girls try to copy that ugly fad skinny bitches seem to love (wearing ironically large sweat pants when they are a size 0). That doesn’t work for us, girls. It just makes us look larger. ESPECIALLY when you wear the sweat pants that have the elastic at the bottom that hugs your ankle. If you must wear sweat pants (and I really wish you wouldn’t), then choose the type that is open ended at the bottom. (the Starter brand offers a line of these).
I admit, I occasionally wear sweat pants. At home. Where no one can see me except for my dogs. Never in public, though.
Another thing you should never wear in public? Cloth shorts. Cloth shorts are made for sleepy time and nothing else. They make me ill for two reasons. 1) They never stay in place. At some point that are going to ride up and you are either going to have to pull them down (ick) or just walk around with what I like to call an “all around wedgie (use your imagination). 2) A person who wears cloth shorts are usually wearing a t-shirt, probably a dirty t-shirt, and therefore they do not looked pulled together.
That’s the whole point of this blog, right? To look better, too feel better, and too deal with life’s big girl haters. You don’t feel good? Don’t feel like dressing up? You’d be surprised how good a messy (think surfer chic) ponytail, fitted jeans, and a nice t-shirt or hoodie looks. And that is low maintenance.
So, here’s the spill: Wear jeans, not sweat pants/cloth shorts. Don’t wear strangle jeans.
And as always, remember: “I’m beautiful, I’m beautiful, I’M BEAUTIFUL, DAMN IT!”
Xoxox
Anda
What's Under Your Clothes?
Girls, here we are again with another important topic: bras and panties.
I am going to start with bras because finding the right fit with your bras can make a world of difference in how you look and feel.
You will want to re-measure every 3 to 6 months, especially if you weight fluctuates frequently or if your bras are “rubbing you the wrong way”. If more of your boob is falling out of your cup than what actually fits inside, it is defiantly time to get measured again.
Properly measuring yourself for your bra size is essential.
I will explain how to do this as well. But always remember that you can go and get professionally measured at no charge.
Now, when you measure yourself what you are going to do is
1. Measure around the fullest part of your bust (bust measurement) . This includes measuring over your nipple. Do not pull the tape tightly across your ta-tas. This is what is going to determine the correct cup size, and if you pull it too tightly you will end up with a smaller cup size than you really need.
2. Measure directly underneath your breasts. This measurement needs to be flush to your skin because this is your band size, and you do not want this to be too large.
Now when you have finished doing those two measurements, you are going to subtract the two numbers and use the chart below to figure out your cup size.
Ex: 46-42= 4, therefore the cup size would be a D and the band size would be a 42.
2 inches= B cup 6 inches= DDD cup
3 inches= C cup 7 inches= F cup
4 inches= D cup 8 inches= G cup
5 inches= DD cup 9 inches= H cup
If you feel like you haven’t measured yourself right, then go to a professional. I know for a fact that most Lane Bryant stores and Victoria’s Secret stores will measure you.
When you measure you may be surprised to find out how big your chest really is. Many women, even the skinny ones (well some of them, at least) have no idea what their size really is. When you wear out your current bra stash, measure yourself (which should be every 3 to 6 months). It doesn’t hurt to recheck it.
Once you know your bra size, things get easier and you can move on to panties (Thanks again Carrie)!
Pantie shopping is one of my most favorite pastimes. And even being a Big Girl myself, when I am with my significant other, I love to show them off. I love being in a pair of sexy panties. It makes you feel feminine and hot when you have on something lacy, or a racy thong.
Even if you don’t have someone to look at you in your panties it is still fun to stand in front of the mirror in your bra and panties and flaunt your stuff. And I highly suggest that you do this. It’s a great self-esteem booster, and I do it every single day. Remember to love yourself! Plus panties are fun. All kinds of designs and colors, and the things that these designers are coming up with are amazing. Whether you feel like wearing girl shorts, things, briefs or bikinis, there is something out there for you.
There is no need for granny panties anymore Girls! Even if you are a granny!
I am one hot, sexy bitch, you are one hot, sexy bitch, so show that stuff off! Flaunt it like you own the place!
As always, we welcome any questions or comment. Leave them here or email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Have fun Big Girls!
Xoxo Pauline
I am going to start with bras because finding the right fit with your bras can make a world of difference in how you look and feel.
You will want to re-measure every 3 to 6 months, especially if you weight fluctuates frequently or if your bras are “rubbing you the wrong way”. If more of your boob is falling out of your cup than what actually fits inside, it is defiantly time to get measured again.
Properly measuring yourself for your bra size is essential.
I will explain how to do this as well. But always remember that you can go and get professionally measured at no charge.
Now, when you measure yourself what you are going to do is
1. Measure around the fullest part of your bust (bust measurement) . This includes measuring over your nipple. Do not pull the tape tightly across your ta-tas. This is what is going to determine the correct cup size, and if you pull it too tightly you will end up with a smaller cup size than you really need.
2. Measure directly underneath your breasts. This measurement needs to be flush to your skin because this is your band size, and you do not want this to be too large.
Now when you have finished doing those two measurements, you are going to subtract the two numbers and use the chart below to figure out your cup size.
Ex: 46-42= 4, therefore the cup size would be a D and the band size would be a 42.
2 inches= B cup 6 inches= DDD cup
3 inches= C cup 7 inches= F cup
4 inches= D cup 8 inches= G cup
5 inches= DD cup 9 inches= H cup
If you feel like you haven’t measured yourself right, then go to a professional. I know for a fact that most Lane Bryant stores and Victoria’s Secret stores will measure you.
When you measure you may be surprised to find out how big your chest really is. Many women, even the skinny ones (well some of them, at least) have no idea what their size really is. When you wear out your current bra stash, measure yourself (which should be every 3 to 6 months). It doesn’t hurt to recheck it.
Once you know your bra size, things get easier and you can move on to panties (Thanks again Carrie)!
Pantie shopping is one of my most favorite pastimes. And even being a Big Girl myself, when I am with my significant other, I love to show them off. I love being in a pair of sexy panties. It makes you feel feminine and hot when you have on something lacy, or a racy thong.
Even if you don’t have someone to look at you in your panties it is still fun to stand in front of the mirror in your bra and panties and flaunt your stuff. And I highly suggest that you do this. It’s a great self-esteem booster, and I do it every single day. Remember to love yourself! Plus panties are fun. All kinds of designs and colors, and the things that these designers are coming up with are amazing. Whether you feel like wearing girl shorts, things, briefs or bikinis, there is something out there for you.
There is no need for granny panties anymore Girls! Even if you are a granny!
I am one hot, sexy bitch, you are one hot, sexy bitch, so show that stuff off! Flaunt it like you own the place!
As always, we welcome any questions or comment. Leave them here or email us at prtali@yahoo.com
Have fun Big Girls!
Xoxo Pauline
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Color!
We are going to dive right into the rainbow today, Girls!
Personally, I love color. And I know a lot of Big Girls out there are afraid of color.
And I'm going to tell you this right now, it doesn't make any sense to blend in!
Ever since I have embraced myself and my size I have been liberated from the black, white and gray wardrobe of my younger years.
And I am set out to liberate you too!
Color is an amazing thing. It shows off your personality, your individuality, and it shows that you are a person who is going to go out and been seen, and not sit back in the background unnoticed.
Every color is important. Remember "roygbiv" from grade school? You need these colors in your closet.
Now you do have some rules for color, though.
They are simple common sense though.
Rule 1- Black and brown does not go together! Ever!
It just doesn't work.
Rule 2- If you wear a colorrful top, don't wear colorful pants with it.
If you wear an all red outfit, 9 times out of 10 people will think you are a walking advertisement for tomatoes. This goes for any outfit. I remember one Halloween I took my niece and nephew trick-or-treating and I dressed up like a raver, in all orange. All night people thought I was a pumpkin. It is a good thing to break up the color.
Rule 3- You can still wear black!
Wearing black is not a no-no. You can add color to your outfit with accessories.
Belts, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and of course a fabulous handbag.
Also, I find that wearing a simple colorful jacket, can make a neutral outfit shine.
Rule 4- When you are matching shoe color, use the color of your top, not your pants.
By having your shoes match your top, it ties everything together. You have no loose ends and you look completed. If you don't have a corresponding shoe to your top color try to find a coordinating color. And if all else fails, black shoes go with everything. Yes, black shoes!
Rule 5- Consider your skin tone
Some colors look better on different skin tones. Try on some colors and see how they look with your skin tone. If it washes out your skin, put it back and try something else. There are colors out there for everyone. The sky is the limit.
Rule 6- Use your imagination!
Some people are scared of color, I know. It can be a scary thing when you are used to wearing very neutral colors all the time. But when you decide to spice up your wardrobe, think outside the box. Try some colors you never thought about wearing. They may look awesome on you.
Don't be afraid of color Big Girls! Don't stand in the shadows anymore. Tell the world who you are, and show it off!! Be proud of who you are, claim it, and work it.
And as always, try it on before you buy it. Color is a good thing but if you hate the particular color then try something else.
If you need help, contact us!
prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome and questions or comments that you have!
Color everything Girls!
-Pauline
Personally, I love color. And I know a lot of Big Girls out there are afraid of color.
And I'm going to tell you this right now, it doesn't make any sense to blend in!
Ever since I have embraced myself and my size I have been liberated from the black, white and gray wardrobe of my younger years.
And I am set out to liberate you too!
Color is an amazing thing. It shows off your personality, your individuality, and it shows that you are a person who is going to go out and been seen, and not sit back in the background unnoticed.
Every color is important. Remember "roygbiv" from grade school? You need these colors in your closet.
Now you do have some rules for color, though.
They are simple common sense though.
Rule 1- Black and brown does not go together! Ever!
It just doesn't work.
Rule 2- If you wear a colorrful top, don't wear colorful pants with it.
If you wear an all red outfit, 9 times out of 10 people will think you are a walking advertisement for tomatoes. This goes for any outfit. I remember one Halloween I took my niece and nephew trick-or-treating and I dressed up like a raver, in all orange. All night people thought I was a pumpkin. It is a good thing to break up the color.
Rule 3- You can still wear black!
Wearing black is not a no-no. You can add color to your outfit with accessories.
Belts, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and of course a fabulous handbag.
Also, I find that wearing a simple colorful jacket, can make a neutral outfit shine.
Rule 4- When you are matching shoe color, use the color of your top, not your pants.
By having your shoes match your top, it ties everything together. You have no loose ends and you look completed. If you don't have a corresponding shoe to your top color try to find a coordinating color. And if all else fails, black shoes go with everything. Yes, black shoes!
Rule 5- Consider your skin tone
Some colors look better on different skin tones. Try on some colors and see how they look with your skin tone. If it washes out your skin, put it back and try something else. There are colors out there for everyone. The sky is the limit.
Rule 6- Use your imagination!
Some people are scared of color, I know. It can be a scary thing when you are used to wearing very neutral colors all the time. But when you decide to spice up your wardrobe, think outside the box. Try some colors you never thought about wearing. They may look awesome on you.
Don't be afraid of color Big Girls! Don't stand in the shadows anymore. Tell the world who you are, and show it off!! Be proud of who you are, claim it, and work it.
And as always, try it on before you buy it. Color is a good thing but if you hate the particular color then try something else.
If you need help, contact us!
prtali@yahoo.com. We welcome and questions or comments that you have!
Color everything Girls!
-Pauline
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