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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

BIG Girl Spring Time Wardrobe for the Office + The FAT Talk

Hello my lovelies! Long time, no post :( After taking some time today to peruse the blogs that I follow, one in particular caught my eye; The Anna Belle Blog. Today she featured a fun spring fashion post about neon colors. I honestly thought that I would NEVER write a fashion-y type post, but a few things changed my mind:
 
  1. Her post was undeniably cute and got me excited about the fun-filled spring colors that are just waiting to be incorporated into my makeup and fashion!
  2. WARNING - this is going to be a mini-ramble: Some of you who follow me on other Social Media sites, or know me in person, understand that I struggle with food and weight. I've been on countless diets and the only one that really seemed to be successful (when I actually followed the program) was Weight Watchers. My mother recently purchased me a 6 month subscription for my birthday (yay mom!) and I weighed-in / went to my first meeting last night. I've made it thus far with my breakfast and am just about to devour my lunch. I'm still battling a sever cold / cough so I'm mainly going to focus on changing my portion / eating habits this week; next week I'll incorporate fitness!

    The reason why I don't normally enjoy reading fashion posts is due to my size, I'm not able to enjoy the typical fashions / shop at "normal" stores. There is literally two stores that I "shop" at and since they've closed their location near me, I solely shop for clothes online. Boo-who-who; no biggie! I'm just glad I have at least ONE place to buy clothes. However, you can see my point? Fashion is NOT fun for me. With that being said, I decided that there's no reason I can't put together a fun spring-y wardrobe with the available online retailers; I may just have to get creative! And I may even create "future" wardrobes for WHEN I reach my many, many, many goal weights. Yes, I have an ultimate "goal," but it's a long ways-off, so for now, I'm going to make mini-goals and celebrate each one!
So.... without further ado, onto the spring office wardrobe! FYI: I like to look cute, but remain incredibly comfortable and find items that can be used in multiple outfits. I also live near Seattle, WA and it actually got to 72 degrees F yesterday; so the tanks may appear to be "summertime" clothes for some of you, but for us FLUFFY girls, we carry year-round insulation!
 
 
SKIRTS
 
 Okay, I pretty much always wear a black skirt and alternate pretty tops. Therefore, I thought I should add a little variety into my "black skirt" collection.
 
$48.00 - $58.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
 
To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester / Rayon / Spandex
Machine Wash
24" Long
 
This style is unique with its hi-low hem with slimming vertical seams on the back. Bi-stretch fabric stretches two ways for ultimate comfort and style. All-around elastic waistband (MY FAVORITE PART) gives you an easy, pull-on design. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.
 
$68.00
Sizes: 0X - 3X
 
For the days I don't feel like shaving. LOL
 
To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Linen / Rayon
Machine Wash
34" Long
 
Cozy style has an elastic waistband on the back for complete comfort. A delicate openwork design cascades down and flares at the hem. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.
 
 
TANKS
 
$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and White Beackwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
Palm trees blend along a sea foam backdrop on our silky sublimation talk. We updated the scoop neckline with raised fabric for a touch of texture. Bust darts. Asymmetrical hem.
 
$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: Light Red
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester / Rayon
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
Our long scoop neck tank comes in an assortment of one-of-a-kind prints for versatile style. Light and cozy fabric features layered tiers for a flattering effect. Complete with a bust darts at the armholes for added fit.
 
 
CARDIGANS
 
$44.00 - $48.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: White
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either tank
 
 
Color/Design: Light Red
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and Light Red Layering Tank
 
 
Polyester / Rayon
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
This cozy cardigan comes in an assortment of essential colors for lightweight layering all season long. Open-front piece features a burnout stripe design that offers a touch of see-through style. Complete with short sleeves and a draping, asymmetrical hem that falls longer on the sides.
 
 
TOP
 
$68.00 - $74.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: Mineral Teal
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt
 
 
Polyester / Spandex
Machine Wash
31" Long
 
Silky stretch top. Clinched, draping fabric cascades from the V-neckline to visually slim your shape. Gemstones and embroidery at neckline. Three-quarter sleeves. Solid color.

 
 
As you can see, most of the items can be interchanged. I don't currently own any of these items, but I have never been disappointed with the quality or look of clothes from CATHERINES. These are all items that I hope to purchase soon and start wearing immediately. When I no longer need to turn the heat on at night, I know it's time to get into some lighter / shorter clothes!
 
As for the "FAT Talk" of this blog's title, I was wondering if you all would be interested in getting updates of my journey? I was considering doing weekly check-in's with the weight-loss, perhaps tips / tricks that I've learned along the way, and of course, commiserating! If there are any fluffy friends out there that would like to join me on this journey, I'd love to form an alliance of bulge! Regardless if you have a kazillion pounds to lose (like mwah), or just a few.
 
Disclaimer: This post and future weight-related posts are in no way an attack on the fluffy community. I joke about weight as it is a personal struggle, and I am in NO WAY referring ANY of my comments/jokes to anyone else but myself. I love all, judge none, and have just learned that I need to laugh about myself and LOVE myself; regardless of my size.
 
30% off EACH of these items with code LOVECA

14 comments:

  1. I love every single item you picked! I think we have similar tastes in clothes :) I would love to see your goal updates and cheer you on, good luck girl, hope you feel better soon too!

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    1. YAY! I'm not totally uncoordinated when it comes to fashion then! Phew! :) Thanks for the positive support Kristina, it means a lot and I LOVE how you're always so positive and uplifting to all of the bloggers in the FB community. You seriously are one amazing lady!

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  2. Oh my freaking goodness I love you! You are so spot on! I used to feel the exact same way about clothes.

    I would LOVE a weekly update on how you're doing! You're so awesome!

    ~ Kristena

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    1. Thank you Kristena! You too are awesome and I look forward to sharing my journey with you! I'm glad that I'm not the only one who dreads / dreaded clothes lol!

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  3. I really like the palm tree shirt & the flowered 1 below it.
    http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Kimberly! I LOVE that palm tree shirt; it's a collage of some of my favorite colors; perfect for dreaming of a sea-side vacation! :) Thanks for reading and commenting, hun! <3

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  4. I'd love to hear about your weight-loss journey on your blog! It'll help keep me motivated too! I think I've told you before that I'm plus-sized so I think it's so fantastic that you decided to incorporate your fashion choices here! I really like the black hi-low skirt! And I wear cardigans all the time too! Since you already wear skirts, have you considered any dresses? I LOVE pairing dresses with a short sleeve cardigan in the warmer months. It's so comfortable! I looked online on Catherine's and I think the Tropical Leaf Maxi and the Slimming Tile Dress dress would be awesome with a cardigan! Good luck, Ashly! I'm rooting for you!

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    Replies
    1. I typically don't like dresses at my size because it accentuates my oh-so lovely belly lol! But, I've never considered a dress with a cardigan, that would actually make me feel more comfortable; not so self-conscious. I've always been envious of those gorgeous maxi dresses but didn't think I could get away with wearing them; I'm going to check out the suggestions you gave me and give them a try! I actually bought all of the clothes I blogged about yesterday (minus the tan skirt because my size was sold out, dang it!). I would love to help motivate you or anyone else, and would appreciate any motivation back. You're amazing and thank you for the uplifting comment! <3 We can do this together!!!! :)

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  5. I'm on a weight loss journey myself! I would love to read about your journey and I wish you all the luck in the world!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rachel! That means a lot. I wish you the best of luck as well and maybe one day we'll be able to celebrate our victory! ;)

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  6. I love the clothing you picked; I liked the linen maxi skirt in particular.

    We are all on a personal journey, Ashly. If you feel comfortable sharing parts of your life with us, I think you might be surprised with how much support and love you'll receive. Congratulations on your new goals. I hear so much excitement in your voice! A six month subscription was a very sweet gift from your mom. I hope you continue to achieve your goals and reach your dreams!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Karen! I definitely think sharing my journey would not only help me, but keep me accountable LOL! YES! I was totally excited about the birthday gift from my mom and she even paid for 10 future personal training sessions with this amazing girl I met when I used to belong at 24 HR Fitness. She's an inspiration in herself, she's lost a TON of weight and has the most amazing spirit. I'm hoping to start my session with her soon, once I get over this nasty cold / cough. Thank you again for your amazing comment and encouraging words! <3

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