Daily Style: Monday, 3/25

cream dolman sleeved top (MNG by Mango @ JCP)  

embroidered faux leather peplum top (Worthington @ JCP, $25)

black/tan stripe jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $15)

ankle booties (Worthington "Shawna" @ JCP, $37)

rose ring (Clothes Mentor, $4)

gold watch (Nixon "Small Player" via Amazon)

You may have noticed my new skirt.

Oh, yeah, also I dyed my hair back to dark.

Daily Style: Friday, 3/1

 

floral dress (Olsenboye @ JCP, $7)

leggings (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's)

cropped denim jacket (Highway Jeans via PayHalf, $22)

brown belt (MNG by Mango @ JCP)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

When I run out of good ideas for casual Friday looks, I revert to my standard winter combo - leggings, boots, short dress, jacket or blazer. Sometimes I add a scarf. I know, craaazy!

Daily Style: Thursday, 2/28

faux leather skirt (F21, $16)

lace tunic (nicole by Nicole Miller @ JCP, $12)

knee-high socks (Betseyville, JCP, $8/2)

boots (Big Buddha "Lana" via Amazon.com, $80)

Sometimes I don't realize that everyone doesn't know the things I know. I read a lot about body acceptance/fat acceptance - I read books, blogs, articles on the web... whatever I find interesting. It just occurred to me that everyone may not know the story behind the BMI chart.

For starters, BMI is not a measure of health, and should not be used as such.

BMI was developed in the 1830's by an astronomer, Adolph Quetelet, who wanted to find out if mathematical laws of probability could be applied to humans. He tested this by collecting the heights and weights of groups of people and charting them on a graph. From here, he noticed a range of weights in a specific height, he considered "normal" and anything outside of that range was considered "underweight" or "overweight". Interestingly enough, he also thought that the farther someone was from the "normal" range, the more they deviated in other areas, like social norms.

In the early 1900's, BMI was used by the insurance industry to calculate premiums, based on statistics gathered by Louis Dublin, of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. After much promotion by Dublin of early mortality based on weight, the BMI scale became what it is today.

Furthermore, in the 1990's, the World Health Organization lowered the BMI scale, making more than 37 million Americans "overweight" overnight.

Here are some celebrities that are considered "overweight" according to the BMI scale:

 

 

 If you would like to read more about BMI, here's the Wikipedia entry. Most of my information here is from the book, Fat Politics by J. Eric Oliver.

To get your daily dose of body acceptance/fat acceptance, check out the blog Dances With Fat.

Daily Style: Thursday, 2/21

striped top (PayHalf, $12)

denim pencil skirt (Bisou Bisou @ JCP, $25)

vintage scarf (Echo via Mom, $free)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

Perception is a funny thing. Even though this skirt is much too small on me (yeah, I'm admitting it), and it may not be the most flattering thing I own (it may not be flattering at all), I still enjoy wearing it, because I perceive myself as sexy and shapely in it. It's my favorite skirt and I refuse to stop wearing it. Even if it pains me. (And believe me, it pains me.)

Fashion has so many rules or guidelines, but no matter what you follow or don't, fit seems to be the undisputed standard. But, why? We've all followed the "over-sized" trend. And what about the wear-your-boyfriend's-clothes look? (I've never been able to do that, BTW, my boyfriend's clothes don't fit like they "should". His jeans are too tight in my thighs, completely concealing my womanly curves and his shirts won't button over my breasts. This is a whole other topic that I have lots to say on, but I'll save it for another time.)

Why is oversized OK, but *god-forbid* my button-up top gaps a bit, 'cause I ate a big lunch, or maybe, PMS is forcing my breasts to swell... ?

Personally (as made obvious by the photo above), I don't mind wearing clothes a bit small or a bit big. Sometimes I buy jackets that don't button... on purpose (oh no!) because I like how they accentuate my waist when worn open and I have no intention to wear them closed. (You know you don't have to wear them closed, right?)

Anyway, enough about me, what are your thoughts?

Daily Style: Tuesday, 2/12

 corduroy dress (Old Navy, hand-me-down, $free)

mock turtleneck knit top (Eddie Bauer, thrifted, $1.75)

boots (Big Buddha "Lana" via Amazon.com, $80)

 Inspired by this pin.

I have a question. WTF is with these jeans?

These are from the Margiela for H&M line that I somehow completely missed. They look like oversized jeans pinned at the waist so they don't fall down. Does anyone else think that sometimes the shit designers come up with is so freakin' ridiculous and just-plain-ugly, and the only reason people are buying it and wearing it, is because it's "designer" and they think that automatically makes it stylish?

Seriously.

WTF is with these jeans?!

Daily Style: Friday, 2/8

tennis-ball yellow tunic (a.n.a. @ JCP, $25)

leggings (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's)

camel sweater (Mossimo @ Target, $30)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

leopard belt (Merona @ Target, $17) 

On Friday I went to Trenchermen for Restaurant Week. Some dishes were OK, but most of the meal was terrible. I was mad for days later. There are 2 things one can fuck with that will turn me into 4 year old (i.e. temper-tantrum-inducing) - money & food. They fucked with both. Not cool, Trenchermen... Not. Cool.

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/31

black pants (Mossimo @ Target, $25)

cashmere sweater (JCP, $60)

 printed scarf (PayHalf, $11), "Renegade" necklace (JewelMint, $30)

sparkle loafers (DV by Dolce Vita via Endless (now Amazon), $52)

You know any amount of time looking over comments on website articles or Facebook posts will make you think we live in a society not much unlike what was portrayed in the \classic\ movie, Idiocracy. Don't believe me? Here are some examples...

Exhibit A: From JCP's website:



I wanted to point out that this review was not written by a child, but a woman between the ages of 30 and 39. In other words, a woman that should know to capitalize the 'I' and should have learned the difference between present and past tense and how to use each appropriately.

 Exhibit B: From Shoedazzle's Facebook page:

Um... is this a question? I see there is a question mark involved, but I'm not quite sure what she is asking.

I could go on, but honestly, it pains me to do so. I'm sure you don't need my examples, just spend some time online and you will find your own.

Daily Style: Saturday, 1/26

peplum dress (Love Reign @ JCP, $25)

plaid patch jacket (thrifted, $7)

leopard scarf (JCP, $15)

nude open work tights (Kmart, $13), knee-high socks (Betseyville, JCP, $8/2)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

I would like to make a plea to all bloggers. (And anyone else to which this may apply...) Please, please, pretty please remove CAPTCHA from your comment system. Why? For starters, it's crazy ANNOYING! Also, half the time I can't make out what I'm supposed to type. I saw a post once wherein the author stated CAPTCHA showed her a handicap symbol. How do you type a handicap symbol?! Maybe my computer is defective, but I don't have that button on my keyboard. In addition to it being incredibly annoying, CAPTCHA takes an extra effort that sometimes I don't feel like putting forth. Call me lazy, if you must, but my opinion is that in order to receive the maximum amount of comments, one should make commenting require a minimum amount of effort. I feel it's more inviting when I don't need to prove that I'm not a spam-bot. 'Cause, like, I'm totally not. Obvie.

(FYI - If you're using the Blogger comment system, there is a spam filter in place. There is a section to check the comments flagged as spam, just in case they're not. But they always are.)

K, thanks.

Daily Style: Monday, 11/5

corduroy dress (Old Navy, hand-me-down, $free)

white oxford (Merona @ Target, Mom's, $free)

nude open work tights (Kmart, $13)

brown oxford pumps (Vince Camuto via Amazon.com, $39)

This dress is one of my favorite pieces I didn't spend any money on. I mean, I love corduroy and I love pockets, so what can go wrong?

A friend and I have a little club we started (currently only 2 members, open to more), where we swap clothes with each other. Like most women, we have a wide range of sizes in our closets, and like most women, we fluctuate weight frequently. So when I started gaining weight and she started losing, it worked perfectly, as she got the clothes that were too tight on me and I got the clothes that were too loose on her. 

She made away like a bandit, ('cause my closet is ridiculous) but I get the pleasure of knowing some of my most amazing thrift finds aren't going to waste (sitting in my closet, waiting for the weight loss that may never happen). And if there ever comes a day that I fit into said clothes again, they will be there for me. 

I suggest you get some friends, in the same size-range, and start your own swap club. You just might get a dress as awesome as this one.

Daily Style: Monday, 4/30

crochet / lace cropped top (F21, $18) 

white oxford (Merona @ Target, supa old)

white tank (Worthington @ JCP, $7)

black cigarette pants (Gap Outlet, $30)

blush pumps (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's, $49)

gold ring (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $15), ceramic & rose gold watch (Anne Klein via Amazon.com, $74), bowtie necklace (Etsy, $gift), lip color (Sephora Maniac Matte in 07 Peach w/Make Up For Ever lip liner)

This weekend I went to my very 1st Roller Derby bout.  A friend is on the Chicago Outfit team.  It was fun!  If I wasn't such a wimp and could skate for shit (two very big contingencies), I might try it.

Daily Style: Wednesday, 3/28

black pencil skirt (Banana Republic via Clothes Mentor, $15)  

print top (UK Style by French Connection @ Sears, $19)

gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

gold filigree necklace (thrifted, $3)

This weather is sorta getting on my nerves.  (OK, more like really.)  One day it's cold (Monday), the next day it's warm (Tuesday), the next day they say it will be warm and then it turns out to be cold (Wednesday).  Tuesday night I walked my dog in a winter jacket.  Bad move, it felt like summer.  Wednesday I heard it would get up to 68° so I went sans tights.  Bad move, my legs were freezing on my walk home.  I don't mind if it's cold, but this bi-polar crap has got to stop!  It's incredibly difficult to plan your outfits when you have no idea if it will feel like summer or winter the next day.

Daily Style: Thursday, 3/15

black cropped pants (Gap Outlet, $30)

white "boyfriend" shirt (H&M, $30)

white tank (free w/shirt)

gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)
gold/rhinestone necklace (Target, $5) 

I love my new apartment, but I hate the lighting and the quality of picture I get.  Looks like I'm gonna have to muster up the courage to take pictures in the courtyard and have all my neighbors find out about me.

Daily Style: Friday, 3/9

jeggings (Gap Outlet, $40)

weird sweater (PayHalf, $10)

tank (Gap Outlet)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

I had a whole other outfit planned for today, but part of it wasn't clean.  Boo.  So I thought I would wear this warm sweater for [hopefully] the last time for awhile.  I heard it's supposed to warm up after today.  **fingers crossed**  I think everyone has about had it with winter.

Daily Style: Monday, 2/6

pink pleated dress (mng by Mango @ JCP, $32)

orange cardi (Romeo+Juliet Couture, hand-me-down)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

brown wrap belt (LOFT, $13)

This was inspired by this pin.

I did NOT watch the Superbowl this weekend.  Quite honestly, my interest in commercials & half-time shows is far outweighed by my disinterest in football.  Did anyone see any great commercials?  This is my favorite Superbowl commercial from years ago:

Daily Style: Sunday, 1/15

denim pencil skirt (Bisou Bisou @ JCP, $25)

weird sweater (PayHalf, $10)

brown boots (Steve Madden via amazon.com, $80)

 

I picked up this weird sweater the other day and am now regretting the purchase.  I must have been cold that day and looking to wrap myself in the warmth of acrylic.

Daily Style: Sunday, 1/8

maroon maxi (Old Navy, $23)
dark grey hi-lo sweater (Old Navy, $12)
camel sweater (Mossimo @ Target, $30)
grey snood (local knitter, $20)
brown oxfords (Vince Camuto via Amazon.com, $39)
hat & rings (old), sunglasses (flea market find), lip color (L'Oreal Infallible in Bold Bordeaux)

Yesterday Megan and I got together and had picture time!  Be forewarned, this post is very picture heavy.  Check out her blog to see the shots I took of her.

Daily Style: Friday, 1/6

jeggings (Gap Outlet, $40)
beige bow tie neck top (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $33)
brocade jacket (Ann Taylor, thrifted, $5)
gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

I'm not really feeling this outfit, but I wanted to wear my new (to me) brocade jacket, and show what my new camera can do once I got it a tripod.  So...

There are 2 days left to enter my DIY Giveaway!  Do it.

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/5

camel pants (Worthington @ JCP, $11)
red tank (Express via Clothes Mentor, $8)
plaid blazer (Dani Max, thrifted, $1.75)
gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

There's still 3 days left to enter my DIY Giveaway!  + 4 ways to enter!

Daily Style: Sunday, 12/25

dark jeans (Lee Slender Secrets via JCP, $35)

beige bow tie neck top (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $33)

plaid blazer (thrifted, $1.75)

gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

Daily Style: Thursday, 12/22

skinnies (Gap Outlet, $40)
print top (UK Style by French Connection @ Sears, $19)
beige sweater (Banana Republic, thrifted, $5)
brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)
gold ring (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $15), Love that Binds bracelet (JewelMint, $12 with coupon code)

SSC shared this site, Fashion Bloggers, Why!?, on Facebook.  ("Like" C&C on Facebook with this link!)  It's pretty darn funny, if you're into satire.  ↑ This girl is.  Although, I'm afraid to comment, for fear of ending up on the site.  I know exactly how the post would go.  "Why is she always looking down?"  "Why is she not smiling?"  "She looks sad."  "Why is she pigeon-toed?"  "Why are her pictures blurry?"

The last one is soon to be no more.  Yesterday I purchased a fancy-schmancy camera, so as soon as I 1) receive it, 2) learn how to use it, 3) get the proper accessories for it, 4) find a good place to shoot 5) figure out lighting... (let's be honest, it may be awhile), my pictures are gonna blow your freakin' mind!

Anyway, I do agree with "Nati Hell" on the rapist glasses (her words, not mine).  Being truly visually impaired, I never understood why anyone would ever want to wear glass when you don't have to.  Especially glasses that engulf your face.