Weekend Edition: Lane Bryant Style Off

Happy Monday all!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and fabulous Mother’s Day! I spent my Mother’s Day celebrating my late  mother Betty Niles.  My mom passed away when I was 27  after years of struggling with chronic illness.  In the past Mother’s Day was very difficult for me   but I’ve  come to realize that just  because  my mother  is no longer physically present doesn’t mean she stopped  being my mom.    Now I use the day to reminisce and give thanks for having such a wonderful mom who passed  her  love of travel and colorful sense of style to me.   When my mom was alive she was a huge fan of Lane Bryant and their clothes.    I remember spending many Saturday afternoons shopping with her and my sisters  at their old Fifth Avenue location.   Those hours spent together are some of the funniest and best memories I have of my mother. So when I found out I was selected to participate in Lane Bryant’s Blogger Conference during Full Figured Fashion Week I was so excited because my mom loved them.   Lane Bryant graciously gave each attendee a gift card to participate in their Style Off competition.  On May 20th you’ll be able to vote for your favorite outfit  styled by  bloggers like Rebecca from The Plus Side of Me, Bella from BellaStyles and Dani from DIY Fatshion on Lane Bryant’s Facebook page.  Here is my styled outfit from Lane Bryant’s collection.  I hope you like it and will vote for me on  May 20th !

Have a great day!

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Dress: c/o Lane Bryant

Blazer: c/0 Lane Bryant

Belt: c/o Lane Bryant

Necklace: c/o Lane Bryant

Sandals: c/o Lane Bryant

Weekend Edition: Striped Out

Happy Monday all!

On Saturday, Tamera and I went to the Philadelphia Natural Hair show and a baby shower/BBQ later in the afternoon. Since both functions were casual affairs  I was able to wear my new striped Target maxi dress.  I initially went into Target to get a gift for the shower but ended up with the dress! (Target knows how to get ya!)  Nevertheless,  we had a great time at the hair show and the baby shower was lovely.  Kiana looked radiant in her all her pregnant glory and she loved the cute baby clothes I bought.  I closed  out my fun day by hanging out with my BFF  and drinking fruity homemade sangria. Who could ask for anything more?!

How was your weekend?

Have a great day! 

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Jacket: Old Navy

Dress: Target (up to a XXL here)

Sandals: Nine West

Bracelet: NY & Co.

White Out Part. 2

Happy Hump Day all!

White it is a very polarizing color, either you like it or you hate it.  We’ve been told that we can’t wear white because it’s unforgiving but I reject that notion.  Prior to last year, I had never wore white pants. I was conditioned to believe if I wore a pair they would make me look bigger and highlight my ample thighs.  When I finally decided to buy white pants I was nervous as hell. I was deathly afraid of what people would say about me.    But surprisingly I got nothing but compliments on my ALL white outfit I wore last July (here). After clearing that hurdle,   I embraced wearing white on my bottom and started my search for a white pencil skirt.  It didn’t take me long to find this skirt from Talbots Woman.  Now my next search is for the perfect white dress!

Do you dare to wear white?

Have a wonderful day!

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 Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Talbots Woman

Shoes: Seychelles

Necklace: Jeweliq

Casual Friday/Mixing It Up With Madison Plus

TGIF everyone!

As many of you ladies know, the majority of plus size clothing is online.  It’s a shame that we can’t walk into our local  shopping center/ mall and buy clothes.  I can personally attest to how frustrating and  time consuming it can be to search online for clothing when you don’t even know where to begin.   Fortunately sites such as  Madison Plus and Sonsi have come to the rescue to ease our frustration.   They are essentially online “malls” that  house  a variety of plus size labels such as  KiyonnaMonifC and Mynt1792 in one place.  Along with access to their large  selections, their user friendly sites allow easy navigation that reduces  time spent searching of an item.      I found Madison Plus and Sonsi’s  prices  to be comparable to other online  retailers and standard shipping costs are kept to a minimum. The skirt I’m wearing in this   post is from Madison Plus and it was delivered less than 5 days after ordering it.   Madison Plus and Sonsi have  mailing lists where  you can sign up to be notified  of any sales or special  promotions via email.

So the next time you’re shopping online,  head over to Madison Plus and Sonsi   and give them a  try!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored  by  Madison Plus or Sonsi.  The opinions expressed  above are completely my own.  

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Skirt: Kristen Miles (via Madison Plus here)

Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft Outlet (last Summer)

Shoes: Aldo (last Summer)

Summer Dresses for Under $40

Happy Hump Day all!

I can’t believe Summer is right around the corner! With warmer temps it can be challenging to keep cool while looking fab, so I scoured the internet for affordable and stylish dresses for work and play.  These dresses will allow you to remain comfortable and chic in the heat. My personal favorite is the graphic print dress from Macy’s which is currently on sale for $35.  With prices like these, you ‘ll have enough left over for a cold treat!

Have a wonderful day!

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Casual Friday/To The Left

TGIF everyone!

I have a confession to make…I don’t like my left arm. Why? Because its bigger than my right  which makes buying long sleeve shirts and blazers difficult.   I know this may sound  silly but for me it’s something about myself I don’t like. While I dislike my uneven left arm, I’ll still show it  love and let it hang out in sleeveless dresses or tops. Basically what I’m trying to say is no matter what you dont like about your body, embrace it. Dont let it stop you from  loving yourself or accepting who you are.  In light of recent events in this country, life is too short to sweat the small stuff.  So be thankful for who you are and rock on!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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My big ol’ left arm! LOL

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Dress: Eshakti

Necklace: Old Navy

Shoes: Tahari (via Macy’s)

Casual Friday/Basking in the Sun

TGIF everyone!

The beautiful warm weather I’ve been wishing  for has finally arrived (what took you so long?!!).   I was finally able to leave the house without wearing tights today.  I still have them on standby just in case the weather decides to be fickle. But for right now,  here’s to gorgeous temperatures and bare legs!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Skirt: Eloquii

Shirt: Old Navy

Necklace: Jeweliq

Heels: Nine West

Its About You Too!

Happy Monday all!

I want to apologize for not having an outfit post today. After waking up to a  snow storm, taking my pics was the last thing I wanted to do.  My frustration  with the weather keeps a  semi-permanent scowl on my face. Basically I need Spring to start  NOW!

Last year I wrote a post called It’s About You   which discussed me wanting  my blog to be a platform for women of all ages and sizes to feel good about themselves.   Since then I’ve received many comments and emails saying just that.  I’m so honored that  through my journey (which continues) other women have started down the path to self acceptance.  While my purpose hasn’t changed  it is very  important for me to check in with you, my WONDERFUL readers to see what you would like featured.  I see my blog as a collaborative effort because without you  there would be no Grown and Curvy Woman!  Let me know in the comment section your suggestions and  I’ll do my best to make it happen! 

Have a wonderful day!

Spring Trends Part III: Leather

TGIF everyone!

For week three of the Spring Trend challenge we are tackling leather. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, “Leather for Spring?!” but since  Winter is still hanging on, wearing it doesn’t seem so crazy.  I don’t own real leather pieces like a jacket or skirt so I had to make do with my faux leather peplum shirt.  Honestly I don’t feel very Spring like  in this outfit.  I tried to incorporate it into a Spring outfit but it just didn’t work.  So instead of driving myself crazy I decided to recycle the outfit I wore in this  post.  The only change I made was switching out the ankle pant  for a full length trouser.  

Although this trend  didn’t work for me,  don’t be discouraged to try it. You never know, it might just work for you!

Have a great weekend! 

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Peplum shirt: Forever 21 (sold out)

Blouse: Old Navy

Pants: Calvin Klein

Necklace: Macys

Bracelet: NY & Co.

Finally!

Happy Hump Day all!

Spring is here! Woo hoo! I’m so looking forward to ditching the down coat and wearing bright colors! .  Even though the weather here in Philadelphia is FAR from Spring-like, I still wanted to wear something colorful to mark the occasion.

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Speaking of Spring, IGGI  has debuted  their new Spring Awakening collection that embodies the season with vibrant colors, lush draping and gorgeous prints. In true IGGI style  these  beautiful  dresses highlight and celebrate the curvy/plus body.   As you know I’m a sucker for prints, so the Carmelle wrap dress (in the second picture) is a standout for me. What is your favorite?

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Have a wonderful day!

Dress: JCPenney

Sweater: Old Navy

Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

Heels: Nine West