pencil skirts – Grown and Curvy Woman

grownandcurvywoman March 21, 2014

Casual Friday: Spring Renewal

TGIF all!

Winter is FINALLY outta here! Woo hoo! Although the temps aren’t Spring-like yet, I’m just grateful it’s here!

This year the arrival of Spring has a lot of meaning for me. In my post Shining Through, I touched on some of the emotional issues I’ve been dealing with. Besides my family and close friends, no one knew that behind my smile I was dealing with crippling anxiety and depression. Knowing I didn’t want to live like that anymore, I made the decision to seek help to address my “stuff”. Since the season is all about renewal and change, the growth I’m experiencing is sort of a Spring cleaning of the soul. I’m learning how to let go of fear, resentment and anger which is helping me change my perspective on life. I’m renewing my self-confidence and resiliency that were temporarily interrupted. Making change is HARD but I know I’m blessed and fortunate to see another Spring!

What does the arrival of Spring mean to you?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sweatshirt: Gap (here; sold out in XL & XXL)
Skirt: Eloquii (old)
Heels: Nine West (old)

grownandcurvywoman March 5, 2014

Spring Trends to Wear Now…Black & White

Happy Hump Day!

After I finished my last post I realized that the three trends I wrote about (florals, black & white and pastels) could be worn now with a few modifications (i.e. tights). I picked black & white first because it’s easy to wear and accessible. In the previous post, I mentioned wearing different prints together, so I decided to show this by wearing black & white polka dots and stripes together. Wearing the same color scheme when mixing prints is an easy way to ease into it without feeling overwhelmed. As you can probably tell, polka dots and stripes are a favorite of mine. It’s important that you find a combination of prints that YOU like. Once you find a combo that works for you, try wearing it in different colors!

Also I want to give a shout out to Rocquelle of Consider Me Lovely for the outfit inspiration today!

Have a wonderful day!

Skirt: Simply Be (here)
Shirt: Lane Bryant (here)
Blazer: Calvin Klein (bought last year)
Wedges: Bandalino (old)

grownandcurvywoman February 10, 2014

Skirting the Issue

Happy Monday all!

Someone asked me recently if I ever wear pants. I replied “of course I do”. She responded “oh, because all I’ve seen you wear is skirts!”. Now I could look at that exchange in two ways: 1) she REALLY must be paying attention to what I’m wearing or 2) I do wear skirts all the time. I have to admit, the latter is the truth. Why? Wearing skirts allows me to get in touch with my long dormant girly side. For the majority of my adult life, I didn’t care how I looked and being in direct care social work gave me the perfect excuse to justify my bland uniform (jeans or cords and a sweater). I would convince myself that it wasn’t practical to wear skirts especially if I had to chase or restrain a client. I really believed if I wore one I would be inviting unwanted attention and comments. So to avoid any possible negativity, I rarely wore a skirt. Back in those days, the only thing I wanted to do was hide and not be noticed.

When I finally decided to accept my body, I went out and bought my first pencil skirt. I was no longer going to be in “hiding” and vowed to wear skirts whenever I felt like it. I learned quickly that I preferred skirts over pants, something the old me would’ve run from. Now don’t get me wrong, pants have their place (you wont see me shoveling snow in a skirt!) but skirts have my heart!

Have a wonderful day!

polka dot skirt, pencil skirt, curvy women, curvy women pencil skirts, H&M, color blocking

plus size pleated skirt, pleated midi skirt, eloquii pleated skirt, curvy girl in pleated skirt

grownandcurvywoman February 2, 2014

V Day Look Book

Happy Saturday everyone!

I hope youre having a wonderful weekend so far! About a week ago, a reader requested I do a Valentine’s Day look book. Honestly a look book wasn’t on my radar but she inspired me to do one, so here it is!

V Day Dinner with the Girls:

Some of my best V Day memories are with my girls. A girl’s night out celebrating calls for a sparkly skirt and colorful heels. Your fab outfit will have heads turning all night long!

P.S. This is my V Day outfit!

Sweater: Old Navy (old)
Skirt: Target (here)
Bracelet: Gap Outlet (old)
Shoes: Nine West (old)

V Day Dinner with your Sweetheart

If you and your sweetie are heading out for V Day, a curve loving dress is the way to go! Dress it up with a statement necklace and add a fun clutch to complete the look. Trust me, your sweetie wont be able to take his/her eyes off you!

Dress: c/o Simply Be (here)
Necklace: Shoplately (here)
Bracelet: Lord & Taylor (old)
Shoes: Ivanka Trump (here)
Clutch: Old Navy (old)

V Day Dinner at Home

Having V Day dinner at home for many people is a better option than sitting in a crowded restaurant. Being comfortable doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Try a trend (like mixing prints) to elevate your casual look. And remember…romance can happen anywhere!

Pants: Lane Bryant (got them on clearance)
Sweater: Old Navy (old)
Shoes: Old Navy (got them on clearance)

grownandcurvywoman January 31, 2014

Casual Friday: Pretty Woman

Happy Hump Day all!

I’m usually not influenced by celebrities (this doesn’t include my BFF in my head Michelle Obama!) but after seeing Julila Roberts’ outfit at the Golden Globes earlier this month, I wanted to see if I could pull something similar off. Lately I’ve been trying to have some fun with my work wardrobe to keep things fresh. I think this strapless top/shirt combo definitely accomplishes my mission.

How do you liven up your work wardrobe?

Have a wonderful weekend!