Frugal Fashion Friday - Holographic Trend

Maybe it's the 80's child in me but ever since I spied a pair of holographic sandals, I knew I'd add them to my spring/summer wardrobe. For a one season trend like this one, there is no reason to spend a fortune. I found these cute items for a steal, including a great pair of wedge sandals.

Click the picture above for buying information.

Do you like the holographic trend?

Emerald City - Green For Spring

I have to admit, green is not my first choice.  Well, olive is but not emerald green.  It's the hot color this year and a trend for spring. I found some great pieces that were olive and not all of the items below are true emerald green but you'll have to indulge me.  I managed to catch a showing of OZ the Great and Powerful. I'm not a James Franco fan and think they could have done a much better job of casting the role of Oz. The movie was fun and a worth seeing if you're a fan of the original.  My heart still belongs to Dorothy but it was a fun treat.

My favorites in this bunch are the fantastic graphic print dress from ASOS and the Liz earrings from Stella and Dot. They even look beautiful on the back side!  I will be wearing these exact earrings (thanks Kristin!) when we get our official marriage license at the courthouse in DC next week.  By the way, {msL's} first name is Liz.  Appropriate, huh?

This is the last installment in the spring curvy fashion series. Be sure to check out the other ladies and their blogs:

Curvy CEO

Girls of Plenty

Grown and Curvy Woman

Heart, Print and Style

Society of Curves

Frugal Fashion Friday - Leather for Spring (or anytime)

Today is another installment in our spring fashion for curvy girls series.  I'm sure you're wondering why this is also a Frugal Fashion Friday post.  You all know I believe in remixing your clothes. I also believe in quality over fast fashion.  However, sometimes inexpensive fashion can also be quality.  Case in point are the two jackets in the outfit photos below. They are both faux leather.  I love leather but I found these jackets for bargain prices and I wear them both as much or more than my leather. The black cross zip, biker jacket is from Target. I scored it more than two years ago and I wear it constantly.  It's great with jeans and a t-shirt.  I also love it over a dress or a maxi skirt. The olive moto jacket has interesting detail and goes with everything.

I personally love jackets to lend polish or interest to an outfit.  Add a black, cross zip, biker jacket to a simple t-shirt and jeans and you're instantly transformed into a bad ass (well in my mind, anyway). Add a biker or moto jacket to a pretty skirt and it toughens it up and it gives it edge. These jackets are also transitional pieces. I wear mine spring, summer and fall. They're ageless and timeless pieces that anyone can wear, no matter their size.

Faux leather can look cheap. I've seen faux leather jackets that aren't fooling anyone.  They don't look like leather at all.  The key is the finish and detail.  Does the faux leather feel or look plastic? Make sure it gives the appearance of real leather. Check the hardware. Are the zippers good quality? Are the snaps or buttons set well? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you have a high quality, faux leather jacket.  I paid about $30 for each of these jackets. These jackets have been a great value. The price per wear is pennies and they are still going strong.

Obviously, I wear leather (or faux leather) regardless of trend.  Leather is a classic look that transcends time.  A quality leather or faux leather jacket is a great buy that you can wear for years.

Be sure to check out the other ladies and their blogs:

Curvy CEO

Girls of Plenty

Grown and Curvy Woman

Heart, Print and Style

Society of Curves

Spring 2013 Trends - Florals

Lovely and amazing Nel of Girls of Plenty, invited me and four other curvy bloggers to take part in a little project where we show spring trends for ladies who wear plus sized fashion.  I loved the idea and said I'd definitely take part.  Sadly, with my nutty work week and other demands, last week I only managed to post a couple of pictures on Instagram.  So here it is my take on the floral trend.  When I first read this trend for the week my first thought was of Miranda Priestly. I love "The Devil Wears Prada". Every time I catch it on late night TV, I can't help myself.  In one scent editor brings up florals in a meeting about stories for the spring issue Miranda says (as she rolls her eyes)...

Florals? For spring? Ground breaking.

- Miranda Priestly "The Devil Wears Prada"

I have to say that I agree with Miranda. Florals for spring aren't new or ground breaking.  Usually I don't go for lots of florals.  In my closet right now I have four floral patterned items and my closet is big.  I have one blouse, a skirt, and two pairs of floral pants.  And until last summer I only had the blouse and skirt.  I fell in love with floral and printed pants and I can't stop wearing them. I got home from work so late that I didn't have time to take proper outside pics. Please excuse the low light.

Shirt/Jacket - Talbots (no longer available), T-Shirt - Target (no longer available), Belt - Talbots Outlet, Pants - Talbots Outlet, Shoes - Talbots (no longer available), Rings - Charming Charlie and Engagement Ring, Bracelets - c/o Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot and gift, Watch - Armitron (gift)

I love pairing pretty, girly pieces with tougher pieces (but you already know that).  Toughening up these floral pants and pointy bow shoes with the cargo, shirt jacket just felt right.  It is a fun outfit to wear and really easy too.  

Check out the other ladies and their take on the floral trend:

Curvy CEO

Girls of Plenty

Grown and Curvy Woman

Heart, Print & Style

Society of Curves

Frugal Fashion Friday - Five for Spring Under $50

Because I'm trying to be selective about the items I buy this spring, I'm doing some updating via accessories.  My $50 per month budget is firm so I went in search of great accessories under $50.

1. Spot Colour Block Clutch Bag  - Top Shop $40
2. Socialite Trim Necklace - Forever 21 $5.80
3. Pink Coral Beads Matte Stack Rings - Target $19.99
4. Mossimo Paisley Platform Pump - Target $29.99
5. Bow Skinny Belt - ASOS $10.74

 All of these items are ways to incorporate spring trends in a subtle way.  They are also pieces that can surpass the trends because I can wear them for many seasons.What new accessories will you be buying this season?

Happy Friday Real Girls!

 

Trends - Spring Pastels

The warm weather we are having in DC this week is making me yearn for lots of fun new spring ensembles. Nothing says spring to me more than the pastel trend that is everywhere right now. Maybe it's the memory of getting a new dress for Easter or the fun candies that always filled our house this time of year. This weekend I'll have to go through my spring and summer clothes to pull out a few on my fun pastel items.  Pastels are an easy trend to wear no matter your coloring or body type.  The colors are popping up in clothes and accessories.  You can incorporate a little or a lot of spring pastel color into your outfits.  Try mixing and matching colors or pair one items with a pastel print.  Don't want to go all out? Try a neutral all over and add accessories. Here are a few items I'm loving right now.

I'm going to sport a few of these items with the new mint shades that I created!

How are you going to wear the pastel trend?