evans « A Well-Rounded Venture

Posts Tagged: evans

OOTD — 5 Comments
11
May 13

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

Once a month, I host a “crafternoon” event for some of my friends. It is a social, crafty gathering, where we get together, make stuff and chat. It’s pretty awesome… but I’m not biased or anything. This is what I wore for a laid back Saturday!

Denim shirt – Pure Energy, via Target, 4 (“present” from Chris)
T-shirt – Avenue, 26/28
Skirt – Evans, UK 30
Ring – Cato
Sandals – Clarks, “Caslynn Paula“, 11M

I’ve always been a creative person, but in the last few years “responsibilities” get in the way of hobbies. It isn’t that I don’t have time – I do, but it’s easier to put off things that don’t pay the rent, you know? Or prioritize sleep, getting outside, visiting friends, etc.

So what if Chris won’t get his handknit socks for another year… To be fair – he knows that it takes about two years, which is how long it took me to knit and send a pair to the friend who introduced us. But really, who needs handknit socks in Texas anyway?

I’ll finish them… someday.

Being around other creative people inspires me, so this once a month get-together is perfect – visiting with friends and crafts! The added bonus is productivity – the more time I spent around other creative people, the more I get done. Win, win!

This outfit was chosen for comfort. Summer is creeping up on us, but it’s still cool in the morning, warmer in the the afternoon and definitely unpredictable. I love maxi dresses and skirts because they are perfect for anything! Except for the fact that I’m a klutz.

Today I tripped over a shelf in CVS, after getting my skirt caught and then I drove around with my skirt hanging out of the car door. A neighbor informed me of that when I went to get the mail. At least it wasn’t raining, right?

Despite my tendency to trip (which let’s be real – happens anyway), maxi’s are comfortable and versatile. Especially skirts like this one in a jersey knit. It’s like fancy pajamas. Unfortunately, knits aren’t a great medium for pleats. I have a poor track record with washing them… and then the pleats fall out. What’s up with that?

I ditched 11 pairs of shoes this spring for various offenses. Many of them were just too old, worn out and hurt my feet. Just because they still look cute does not mean my feet have to suffer! It took me a few outings to remember why I started investing in good shoes. Blisters aren’t worth it!

After my purge, I noticed that I was lacking in the sandal department. Since summer in Texas lasts from now until December, I wear them a lot! I remembered to have Chris take a picture of my new summer sandals (also featured in my last post, just hidden) – the “Caslynn Paula” from Clarks, in black. Which are surprisingly comfortable (they have a fancy “ortho” sole), well made, easy to walk in and cute.

Normally, I don’t do well with tall shoes, but I haven’t had any issues with these. The tripping mentioned above was actually done in flats. I’m special like that. They come in black, nude and grey. I wish they had a tan/cognac because I would have snapped those up too. They retail for $109, which is pricey but I got mine for 20% off and they are worth every penny. I’d trade 4 pairs of Target sandals for a pair of these any day!

P.S. I got Chris to take these by promising I’d post them tonight (which basically never happens, and he makes fun of me). BAM! Done.

Have you made any summer purchases? What’s your favorite summer footwear?

Outside My Comfort Zone: 1 – Blazing Red

Constantly moving outside my comfort zone is the core of my life philosophy. Part of it is trying and learning new things, growing as a person and the other half is all about entertainment – because life without change gets kind of boring… fast.

Last week, I was shopping with a friend, when I posted this photo on Instagram:

Orange Blazer

Blazer & top from Lane Bryant Outlet

An orange blazer is not something I’d normally go for, but I liked the shade. It didn’t hurt that my friend was a good enabler, so I decided to try it out. As a result, I had a conversation with Rachel, of Happyness Magnet who asked if I’d like to join in on a new challenge about moving outside your comfort zone… and the rest is history.

Outside-My-Comfort-Zone

This week, our challenge is titled “Blazing Red”, using a pop of red and a blazer.

Blazer – Eloquii, size 24
Blouse – Evans, UK 30/32
Jeggings – Old Navy, size 28
Heels – Tsubo, size 11
Necklace – Style & Co, via Macy’s
Bracelet – Torrid
Ring – New Look

It was tempting to wear my red blazer and call it a day but that wasn’t really challenging myself, which defeats the purpose. So I dug into the depths of my closet and pulled out an unworn item – this Eloquii floral blazer, and decided to create an outfit of things that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Here is how I did it:

Bold, patterned blazer – most of mine are solid and don’t look like your Grandma’s couch.
Pants – I’m pretty sure you guys know that I hate pants. Nothing new there.
Heels – I’m a klutz and I like to be on good terms with my feet.
Dark/neutral colors – I like bright and obnoxious things.

For several months, I was dying for a floral blazer – the uglier, the better. The thrift store didn’t produce any gems and a couple of online options were iffy, until I found this one. The monochromatic print is great and relatively tame. Of course, when I got it, I loved it but had doubts of how it would work in my wardrobe. I decided to keep it because I figured it would pair well with a lot of my bright, jersey dresses – much like my favorite black & white patterned cardigans. I was going to pair it with one for this challenge but again, felt like it was a cop out.

Even though I hate pants, blazers look great with skinny jeans and a longer top, so that’s the route I went. Most of my shirts are too short to wear with pants, since I prefer skirts and tuck in my tops, so this Evans top gets put through its paces when pants are involved.

Heels and I aren’t exactly friends. Being a klutz is tough. I trip over my own feet, I really don’t need any help (or additional height) contributing to my inevitable downfall. A friend of mine introduced me to a few pairs of heels that I can manage to wear for an extended period, walk (semi) gracefully and not kill myself in. Win! These Tsubo heels are one of them.

The first outfit I tried to throw together for this challenge involved a lot of black and was extremely awkward. I love my bright tights, bold lipstick and bright, fun colors, so I tried something new – to keep things dark, with subtle pops of color via accessories.

I even went outside my comfort zone regarding the photos. I prefer natural light and outdoor shots, but on weekdays it just isn’t possible. These aren’t too bad… and you get a peek of our apartment!

I’m pretty happy with how this outfit came together. I’d actually wear it again! Can’t say that about everything I post up here on the blog… but this works! Fashion is supposed to be fun and experimental. I still prefer my dresses, but sometimes a little change in the routine is good.

Check out the other ladies participating in “Outside My Comfort Zone”:

Stephanie: http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Gail: http://www.gailygumdrops.blogspot.ie
Rachel: http://www.happynessmagnet.com
Leah: http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Crystal: http://www.talesfromthefatside.org
Mary: http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky: http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com

Since I found fa(t)shion, I’ve conquered a lot of self imposed or societal “rules”, fears and other things that have held me back from doing and wearing what I wanted, just because I have a fat body. And I inevitably learned that the only rule is that there are no rules.

The way you think and your relationship with your body isn’t something that changes overnight. It takes hard work… in baby steps! Try taking a step outside your comfort zone – big or small – and see where it takes you!

Do you push yourself outside your comfort zone? How do you do it? Or are you happy to stay within?

Challenges / Fatshion February / OOTD / Rant — 22 Comments
11
Feb 12

OOTD: Earning stripes

Call me stripe obsessed, because I am. Not sure when it happened but it went from a casual fling into a full blown “thing”!

The first item I reach for when getting dressed? Stripes. What draws my eye when shopping? Stripes. What did I buy when I finally got to a F21+? Stripes. I tweeted this picture on my trip to Los Angeles in January:

Sorry about the awful picture, my cell phone and I don’t get along…

The fact that I’m breaking one of “THE RULES” on a regular basis is just icing on the cake.

This was my outfit for day 3 of Fa(t)shion February!
Cardigan – New Look, UK 26
Tank – Old Navy, XXL
Skirt – Old Navy, XXL, here.
Teggings – Re/Dress
Ring – Evans
Necklace – F21 (p.s. it’s an elephant!)
Flats – Evans

This skirt is apparently sold out online in the larger sizes but if you like it, definitely go find it in the store. It could easily fit up to a size 30. When I saw this skirt, I knew I’d break one of my “personal shopping” rules but damnit, it was worth it.

I get the whole philosophy behind “make it work” and in most cases, I agree. But it depends on the context. Making it work with the tools you have at hand versus… seeking out clothing in smaller sizes to see if you can “make it work” are slightly different to me. And I’ve seen this phrase describing a myriad of fashion-y things and/or concepts.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The size on the tag means nothing. I have thrifted things in my closet that say small. A size “small”, I am not! I think that as purveyors of fashion we need to use all resources available. Any and all resources. If we didn’t, the world would be a sad, sad place.

Do I also need to say that these thoughts apply only to me and my shopping habits? I don’t care (or judge) what other people do. Good? Okay.

In my last post, I mentioned that I use my hard earned money to support stores that cater to my body. Stores that make clothing for ME. If I walk into a store that carries up to size large, is it possible that I can “make something work”? Absolutely, even as a size 28 and I’m not talking accessories. The oversized trend is like fashion’s gift to fat girls. Sure, that top was meant to hang off someone’s frame… but hey! If it works, it works.

So what’s my problem?

Economics. When I’m buying straight sized clothes off the rack, it is just a number to the company. Their stuff sells and that’s what they care about. If I’m buying their clothing, even if they don’t care to cater to plus sizes… why should they bother changing that? If I’m buying retail, I avoid buying from companies that don’t offer plus sizes.

But thrifing, eBay, second-hand, etc.? Everything is fair game. I’ve seen things in store that I have not bought and later sought out online (saves money too!) because of this.

Some companies offer limited plus ranges and for me, these are borderline – ASOS Curve, Eloquii, etc. Each time a plus line is launched and it stops at 24, babies cry. No joke.

For decades, the “industry leaders” have had lines up to size 28 and stopping short of that is just annoying. It makes me highly suspicious that these companies see clothing fat bodies as “promoting obesity” or that fat(ter) people don’t deserve clothing that makes them feel good but that is a rant for another day…

Old Navy makes my borderline list because they don’t carry their plus line in stores (but make up for it slightly with free return shipping). But the sad fact is that they offer a lot more options in straight sizes, and if a similar version makes it to plus – it is probably $20 more and not as cute.

I probably think way too much about this stuff but to me, it is important to consider all angles. I like cute clothes as much as the next person, but after 15+ years of wearing fat girl clothes I am fed up. Where I spend my money, giving constructive feedback and being vocal are some of the tools that I can use.

I took a picture of my tripod because I planned to make this a (funny to me, facetious) post about how much I love my tripod. In reality, I’ve been spoiled by handing off my camera to other people and having them snap pictures for me. Instead… I got distracted by a rant. I’ve realized that I prefer to either be behind OR in front of the camera – not both!

Do you make conscious choices about what or where you buy things? It doesn’t have to be clothes.

Challenges / Fatshion February / OOTD — 12 Comments
3
Feb 12

OOTD: Nothing to say

I think the last few weeks have finally caught up with me.

Having nothing to say is nothing short of a miracle… or just the culmination of those hectic weeks of non-stop everything.

Words are hard (and apparently my vocabulary is limited), so I’ll give you pictures:

Shirt – Old Navy, 4x
Cardigan – JCPenney, 3x, here.
Skirt – Thrifted and altered.
Flats – Clarks “Book Pump” in pewter, 11M.
Belt – Lane Bryant, 22/24 in orange, here.
Ring – Evans