Inspiration - The Hunger Games

This weekend marks the opening of the highly anticipated movie, The Hunger Games.  If you haven't read the books, I highly recommend all three. They are quick, easy reads and they're riveting. I couldn't put them down. What I love most about these books is that the female heroine, Katniss Everdeen is strong, tough and driven by her love of family, friendship and loyalty instead of (as many recent heroines) by a boy.  There is love in the story background but it is secondary. She's a great literary role model for young girls.  She's determined, loving, and honorable.

Many times I don't hold out much hope when a beloved book comes to the big screen. This time, I'm excited.  I am looking forward to seeing how the books have been translated for movie audiences. In honor of the movie, I thought I'd pull together some items inspired by Katniss' wardrobe.  All of these items could hold out through many seasons and trends. 

An anorak jacket is on trend this season. The leather gives it an edge and it's an item that could be worn for many years.  Braids are the hairstyle of choice for Katniss.  You can create your own version using clear elastics and bobby pins that match your own hair color.  Katniss is the "Girl On Fire" in a red dress during her introduction at the Capitol.  This red dress could take you to a great party.  A versatile backpack can store your laptop or your carry on items for the airplane. Cargo pants are perfect for a hike in the woods or around town on errands.  A zip pull over is the perfect work out top.  Black patent ballet flats are truly a classic piece of footwear.  I don't know what I ever did without a pair of lug sole boots.  They look cute with a skirt and I love them over jeans.  Three neutral shades from the China Glaze Hunger Games collection. Panem may be the future but the style can translate to today.

Will you be seeing The Hunger Games?

Weekend Casual

This weekend I was thrilled to attend my first plus size clothing swap. Thanks to my blogging buddy, Curvy CEO for hosting such a wonderful day. As you know I love going to clothing swaps.  Unfortunately, many times, my choices are limited.  I think most curvy girls stay away because they think they may be the only girl bringing plus size clothing. It was a treat to have so much to choose from.  I'll be posting my great finds later and I'm sure I'll be wearing items in future posts. When I picked out my outfit, I wanted something chic, comfortable but easy to shed if I needed to try on something. I picked one of my favorite weekend casual outfits, a tweed blazer, cargo pants, a gray t-shirt, flats, and my trusty Coach Willis (cross body bag).  I added my tiniest cubic zirconia studs, a chunky chain necklace and my silver monogram necklace.  I also threw on a couple of rings for good measure. I took a few photos with my camera phone but as you can see the quality (due to lighting) isn't the best.

Jacket - Kasper, T-Shirt - Target, Cargo Pants - Avenue, Shoes - Marc Jacobs via Saks off 5th, Bag - Coach, Earrings - ??, Necklaces - gifts

I wanted to add pictures of some of my blogger friends from the swap but I only took three photos. They went like this.  First one Bisi looks great, I look drunk.  Second photo, I look pretty good and Vivi has her eyes closed. Third photo, Vivi looks great and I have my eyes closed.  It's an unwritten fashion girl rule that you don't post "not so great photos" of your girls.  But you can see photos of the beautiful Bisi and Vivi in the Curvy CEO post. Bisi blog is Fatshion and Fattitude.  Vivi's blog is Heart, Print & Style. She won the Goodwill giveaway I ran a while back.


Many of the items I'm wearing are no longer available but you can wear similar items. I pulled together this little collage on Polyvore for your viewing pleasure.

J Crew crew shirt, $39
Tweed jacket, $59
Jessica London cropped tweed jacket, $31
Cargo Pants, $69
Flats, $70
Coach Willis bag, $298 (I paid $40 at Goodwill)
Monogrammed jewelry, $210
Cubic Zirconia earrings, $12
Chain necklace, $5.80

If $298 is out of your price range for a Coach Willis bag, never fear.  I found mine at a Goodwill store in NYC.  I've found several Coach bags at Goodwill stores in the DC area.  You can also search on ebay.  There are lots available in every price and quality. It's a great investment bag. I use mine often on the weekends and love that it has a shoulder strap and a top handle. The monogram necklace is also a pricey piece but I found it in lots of sizes and price points. Mine is sterling silver but I've seen them in other metals.

I love this outfit combo because it's easy and chic.  The tweed jacket and jewelry elevate the casual cargo pants and t-shirt.  The flats make shopping and errands comfortable and the bag keeps your hands free.

What's your favorite weekend casual outfit?

Casual Sparkle

I wore this outfit to a casual brunch at the home of friends on Sunday.  I've been looking for a slim cut pair of cargo pants for a while now.  I'd love to wear super skinny cargos but these flatter my shape better. They are a good compromise. It is my way to wear the trend in the way it suits me best.

Sequin Top - Macy's (no longer available), Knit Vest - Macy's (no longer available), Pants - Avenue,
Shoes - MIA via DSW, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Ring - DragonWeave Jewelry via Amazon.com

I got these shoes last summer. They are a great alternative to sandals.  They're open but they have a little more coverage because they are booties. They also have a very low heel, so they feel like flats.

 

I have loved this ring for a while and decided I couldn't wait any longer.  It arrived last week.  Everyone wanted to try it on and I got tons of complements. It's definitely a conversation piece.