Flowers in the Rain

This my last and final random outfit from NYC. This is from the day I went to Times Square. There was a video but, sadly I don't have time to edit it and I didn't want to wait any longer to show you this.

Flower - H&M Garden Collection

Blouse (size 10) and Leggings (Large) - H&M

T-Shirt - Torrid

Shoes - Thrifted 

Earrings - naKiMuli

Tips For Shopping on Etsy

Etsy is a scary place; how on earth are we suppose to sort through it all? There are thousands of handmade and vintage items of every variety and that can make finding plus size friendly clothing a scary and overwhelming experience. While I may not know all there is to know about shopping on Etsy I do have a few tips I think can help out.

1.) Search Effectively.  We may not think about this often but, searching “Plussize” and then searching “plus size” can yield completely different results. It’s important to take into account that listings are written by different people and not everyone spells things the same way. Also a good term to search is “custom” because some sellers don’t predominantly sell plus size clothing but, will create custom orders. Lastly, not everyone labels there items as plus size so you can also try searching your size like, “size 20”. 

2.) Check Out “Straight Size” Designers To. You never know who is willing to accommodate bigger sizes so exercise the use of the Etsy conversation feature and ask. Of course everyone will not say yes but, I have asked around and you will be surprised who is willing.

3.) Check Feedback. Look at your perspective sellers feedback to see what others thought about the quality and shipping.

4.) Take Accurate Measurements. Being a independent designer or shop owner is expensive business which means many shops only take returns if a item is defective and not if a item is to big or to small so you want to make sure you are accurate. Taking measurements can be tricky. Its a lot easier if you have a friend help you and if you have invested in proper measuring tape like the one pictured below. 

Also, I have included a short video with Nikki of Decadent Industries.

Nikki Shows Us How To Take Measurements from Tiffany Tucker on Vimeo.

5.) Read the Shop Policies Carefully. Every shop is not run the same so reading each persons shop polices is very important. Shop polices can yield information like turn  around time for items, exchange/return policies, and payment information just to name a few.

6.) Ask as Many Questions as You Need To. This does not mean be a pest but, it’s important to know what you are buying. If you have questions about the way something is made, need more pictures of a item, or would like to inquire about the quality utilize Etsy’s conversation feature but, don’t be to overzealous. Keep in mind that people are busy so, give them so time to get back to you. Etsy will block you from sending conversation messages if you send too many at once so, try to get all of your questions in one accurate message and be patient. 

7.) Never Be Afraid to Barter or Ask For a Discount. For example, if you see a vintage item that you feel is a bit over priced that has been in a shop for a few months convo the seller and see if you can get the price down. This may not always work but, it's worth a try. Secondly, if you are a repeat loyal customer to a designer it never hurts to ask for a discount on items. I have done it twice and both times it worked out. 

8.) Once you get the item if you like it leave feedback. Feedback can make others want to shop with your seller. More money means they can make more items you may enjoy.

Here are some great Etsy designers and vintage shops. 

Babooshka Boutique (offers oversized clothing and may do custom) 

Nakimuli

Jibri

Two String Jane (will accept custom orders and accommodates custom shoes up to a women's size 12)

Decadent Designs (now moved to big cartel)

Pineapple Mint 

The Vintage Loft

I hope this helps everyone. Let me know if you have other great tips for shopping on Etsy or know of any great Etsy sellers. 

Versatile! To school and a Photo Shoot!

Hello Ya'll! Blog Spotlight will be back I promise! The one that I planned to post to do had a few issues. It will be back its usual Sunday, don't fret if thats a post you enjoy. But anyway, here is a another outfit from New York. I only have 3  New York post left. I know that my trip was over 3 weeks ago but, I have been very busy I am behind on everything, even school. So, I have been trying catch up on school before the semester ends. When school is out and I'm settled in Brooklyn I promise everything will be back on track.

I wore this outfit to a Manik Magazine swim wear photo shoot. I have a great behind the scenes video I wanted to show you but, I have to wait until the pictures are in the magazine before I can show you. :-( Also, this is the outfit I wore to school today minus the scarf. When ever there is no time to think and I just have to throw on clothes I usually wear a outfit similar to this.

Flower - H&M Garden Collection 

Scarf - American Apparel 

Mens Plaid Shirt - Vintage via Re/Dress NYC

Bracelet - Decadent Designs

Black T-Shirt - Torrid

Denim Moto Jacket - Evans 

Leggings - Lane Bryant 

Old Beat Up Oxfords -  The village Discount  ($3!!! Score!)

Tiffany and Monif C in New York!

While I was in New York I had the opportunity to visit the Monif C Manhattan Boutique. Selina and I (the editor of Manik  Magazine) went over so I could see the store and her and Monif could discuss the details of the Full Figure Fashion Week fashion show. While I was there I also got to view her spring collection before it hit her official website and that was a great treat. Monif was very sweet and I hope to see her again this summer at FFF. As far as FFF is concerned I can tell you that Monif has all new designs planned for the fashion show. So if you can, come to FFF!

Here is a Brief video I shot at the store.

Behind the scenes with Monif C from Tiffany Tucker on Vimeo.


Here some pictures that Selina, Monif, and I took.

Also, I wanted to show you the full view of my outfit. This is something casual. I'm really into wearing shorts, leggings, and combat boots (not necessarily together)  these days.

Details:

Bow - Forever 21 

Jacket, shorts - Torrid 

T-Shirt - Evans 

Leggings - Lane Bryant 

Socks - American Apparel 

Boots - Ben Stu Via Urban Outfitters 

Bag - Jimmy Choo for H&M

Bracelet - Decadent Industries 

Re/Dress NYC

On my first day in NYC I didn't really do a lot. I did however go to Re/dress NYC. I was very excited to go there. Every time I see their tweets of new items I wish I could just hop on the train and go see the clothes myself. I spent a good while in the store trying things on. The store is a nice size with rack upon rack of great used and vintage clothing for plus sizes. You still have to search through things but because they cater to plus sizes and have buyers some of the guess work is done for you. I ended up buying two button down shirts; one of which you will get to see me in in the coming days. While I was there I got to meet the owner, Deb. She was really sweet and even gave me a industry discount on my purchases. Here are pictures of me, Deb, and Selina, the editor of Manik Magazine.

The outfit in the picture is what I wore on the plane to to NYC as well so, it's not spectacular. It's Just something comfy and cute. In case you care I put the outfit stats at the bottom. 

T-Shirt, Jacket: Torrid

Jeggings: H&M (size large)

Scarf: American Apparel 

Shoes: Converse via The Alley (a chicago store) 

Roses

This week my secret goal was to take a outfit picture everyday this week (Monday-Friday). I just wanted to give you guys a idea of what I really wear when I'm out and about. I know that a lot of my photos aren't outdoors so, with this weeks photos I was sure to post photos of me outside. I'm very glad that I got to post Tuesday - Thursday's outfits. Today I'm going to post Fridays. After this I'm going to finish my post from New York City.

For anyone wondering, thats why the weekly features have been absent. I didn't want to over whelm anyone with like 6 post in a day. With all of blogs we all read I didn't want give too much at once. So, when the New York post are done I will get back to a regular blogging schedule that includes blog spotlight, item of the week, designer interviews, topic of discussion, and Tiff and the city. My goal is make the post run every two weeks. Which means there will be 2 or 3 weekly features one week and then the other 2 the next week and then they will alternate in that way. I'm doing it that way so that I have time to give each post the time it needs, you wonderful readers aren't overwhelmed, and I don't lose my mind trying to do a post every single day.  But, now back to the outfit. 

Todays outfit is floral yet again. I love this skirt. It reminds me of a Urban Outfitters skirt but, it was only $9.99.  On fridays I have no class so, I just ran some errands. I actually went to the bank only to find out that it was no longer there. I was disappointed but, I will cash my Obama check soon enough. I plan to save some money to move and the rest will go to my shopping habit. I used to do a post called "Tales of a Shopaholic" where I showed what I bought each month and a few sentences on why for each item. do you guys think I should start that again? Theres an Example of the post here.

My mom took these pictures of me in her room I would have preferred they were outside but, I was on the go a lot and never found the free time when I was outside.

Here are some details.

 

Hair Bow, Necklace - Forever21

T-Shirt - Asos

Blazer - Salvation Army

Shirt - Strawberry 

Leggings - Lane Bryant 

Shoes - Payless 

Bag - Jimmy Choo for H&M 

Tiffany and the City: Adventures of a Fat Shopaholic. Tag Teaming Target!

Today was one of the most fun days I have had in a really long time and the best part is it cost me next to nothing. I didn't even buy anything other then lunch. Never underestimate the power of being around a great friend(s).  Wanna know what I did? Well, here goes!

Today in Chicago the weather was great. Mother nature kissed downtown Chicago with a glaze of sun that didn't feel oppressively hot and lit the daylight hours incredibly. There was also a light breeze that accompanied the sun. I was kind of sad at the prospect of being stuck in school all day so, I half slept through humanities, stayed for half of biology, and skipped U.S. History all together (they were watching a boring movie I had seen all ready). After I escaped college for the day I headed to H&M. I needed to replace my purple hair pin from the garden collection. I wore It to school today but, by the time I sat down in Biology it was gone. When I got to H&M they were out and I had to get a light blue one instead. I also got a necklace and earrings because I was in a rush this morning and didn't have the time to accessorize. I couldn't take feeling plain so, I put on everything I purchased before I left the store.

I didn't picture the earrings because they're just standard hoops. When you've seen one pair you've seen them all right? After H&M I went to my bestest friends Britney's work to see her 2 bosses. They are my resident fashion critics. They approved of my outfit!

Next, I walked near Harold Washington Library to meet up with my bestest friend Britney. I don't get to see her very often. She's my only plus sized friend so, when we see each other we instantly begin exchanging information about whats hot at what store, recent purchases, blogs, and designers.

Here we are together. Ain't we cute girl?

After meeting up we had falafel at Whole Foods. Then we saw a friend of Britney's that worked at Whole Foods. She reads True Blood like me so, when had a whole talk about Twilight, True Blood, and vampires in general. It was great! 

Next, a simple trip to target turned into a excursion.  We checked out the clothing first and the straight or plus size sections didn't have anything of note. We walked around some and found the toy section. First Brit Brit showed off her excellent hula hooping skills. 

Unfortunately I'm not nearly as good. In fact I couldn't even keep the hula hoop up! 

Next, we both had fun bouncing balls

We played bop it to! I didn't get any good pictures of brit brit playing though. :-(

Concentrating 

Dude Seriously I'm concentrating. Do not disturb!  

I WIN! 

After we left I had Britney take pictures of me jumping.

Getting ready to launch 

Take off! 

Landing!

We had so much fun. I felt like a big, little kid. I couldn't have been happier today. Sadly me and brit brit had to part ways. You have to do that so there will be a next time right?

Britney

Shirt - Hot Topic 

Leather Jacket - Faith21

Leggings - Urban Outfitters 

Shorts - Thrifted 

Boots - The alley 

Tiffany

Shirt - Asos 

Leggings, Earrings, Necklace, and Flower - H&M

Vest - Torrid 

Boots - Ben Stu via Urban Outfitters 

Flowers, Bows, Hologram, Zippers and Acid Wash!?! Oh My!

Today I stayed home from school because I had/have a really bad tooth ache. I laid around all day mostly but, I did get up to go outside to get something to eat though and this is what I wore.

In regards to this outfit I will say I lack the ability to pick out everyday clothes the night before. I can only tear up my closet the night before when I'm going somewhere special or to meet some one for the first time. For school and hanging out with friends I usually just put a bunch of things on and see what happens and today this is what happened. To some people all the accessories may be to much but its just right for me! :-)

T-Shirt/Asos - Denim Vest/ Torrid - Circle Scarf/ American Apparel - Leggings/Torrid - Bow/Forever21 - Bracelet/ Nakimuli - Flower/ Graden Collection via h&m - Boots - Bed Stu via Urban Outfitters