For All the Black Girls

"Girl Bye" Sweatshirt -  c/o Rebdolls, Boyfriend Jeans -Asos (sold out but similar here), Metallic Sneakers - Asos, Glasses - Warby Parker Nash in Crystal

photo by mele

Contrary to what NeNe Leakes would lead you to believe no one knows where the phrase "girl bye" came from but what we know for sure is that black girls have been rolling their eyes in annoyance and calling out "girl bye" for longer than anyone can remember. I like to think of it as one of our many colorful ways of responding to our many black woman specific issues. The colorful phrases and jokes keep you from crying, so this post is for my fellow black girls! 

When I wore this sweatshirt I was over the whole day before it even started so Prince with the slight smirk that says it all was perfect. However, I didn't know what to pair this top with to make it more interesting. I thought about skinny jeans or trousers but went with these boyfriend jeans instead (which for some reason don't look as baggy as they really are in this photo). I told my friend, Mele, who was taking the photo that this outfit wasn't really an outfit because it was so blah (y'all know I like everything busy). She replied in her Australian accent, "Sometimes you just want to wear jeans, sneakers, and a top and call it day." She was right; we all have those days where we'd rather keep it simple. Plus now that I think about it keeping it simply kept the focus on the purple one so it all worked our.

A note on sizing: If you decide to order this sweatshirt size down. I ordered the 3x and it has the drape I want, any baggier and I'd be swimming it. 

A London Christmas

Sweatshirt, Sweatpants, Oversized Scarf, Faux Leather Jacket- Asos/Boots- Timberland
Photos by Mele

I couldn't go back to Chicago for Christmas because the struggle is real so I went to London instead. I spent the holiday with the lovely Mele, Teresa, and Emma (my London buddies!) as well as their houseguest Bonny and Danni. We started the trip off with seeing Wicked. I knew a few of the songs but had never seen it. I live for musicals! It was the best! I really would like to see it again. Then we had dinner at Jimmy's World Food. Long story short: Great India food, poor service. The outfit above is what I wore for all of the day's festivities. Style wise I've been trying to tap more into the hard side or hard-femme. You know, embracing my inner tomboy. I been wearing joggers and jerseys and things like that so yea.  Should I do a post on this or a video? hmmm.... Anyway! 

The next day we went to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to see the ice sculptures and then I had Shake Shack for the first time since I left New York in 2010. It tasted like Memories gone by (ha!), it was great! Christmas was spent eating, playing heads up, watching movies, and just having a general good time. Mele and Teresa did an amazing job on the food and I can't thank all ladies enough for their hospitality. Because of them I didn't spent Christmas alone and I'm forever grateful. How did you spent your Christmas? 

Chilling on Christmas

Remember the Sabbath Day and Keep it Holy!

Scarf, Oversized T-Shirt, Heart Necklace - Asos/Bullet Necklace - Ebay/Ultra Stretch Skinny Jeans - Evans/ Coat - New Look Inspire/Shoes - Unif

So apparently grey is a trend. When I first heard about it I reacted much in the same way Miranda Priestly did about florals. But the good thing about this relatively goofy trend is it challenges your creativity. Wearing all one color reminds me of the girls from high school that would wear the same one or two colors with little to no tonal variation from head to toe. I don't have to tell you it looked a fool. Here I layered a few different tones of grey and added a grey and black patterned coat over it from New Look Inspire. I think it worked out pretty well. Someone on Tumblr said I looked like a fashionable cloud! Ha! I'll take it! 

Also, shout out to Teresa, Mele, Emma, and Rhi. I hopped a train from Brighton to London, where all four of the ladies are currently working as teachers, and we spent the day hanging out. First, we went to a bust of a thrift sale at East End thrift store. Most of the items were dirty, ripped rejects and it didn't seem like they'd done as much restocking as promised. I miss Chicago thrifting so much! Then we walked through Notting Hill market were we ate street food and I saw the book store from Notting Hill! There were so many people taking pictures in front of the door but you know the book nerd in me wanted to stop in because it looked so beautiful inside but by that time I was so tired. Next time! We ended the day at the 7 day adventist church the ladies belong to and then had Nando's! I'm not the biggest fan of Jesus or Church but it was a nice service and a nice throw back to my childhood because my Grandma is an Adventist so I grew up going. 

Fall Catalogue

Red Check Top-New Look/Fluffy Black Cardigan-New Look/Skinny Jeans-Evans/Shoes-UNIF/Necklace-H&M(recent)
First post from England! Today my new friend Rosie and I got together to shoot some outfit photos. Honestly, I'm a little out of practice, but I think the two I've posted here are pretty nice; they look like shots out of a fall clothing catalogue which for some reason immediately makes me think of the Brady Bunch celebrating by singing "Sunshine Day" in Sears. Don't Ask! Anyway! This outfit is certainly not the edgiest I've gotten, but it's what I wore to my seminar so it's pretty representative of a casual outfit for me. My shoes say "fucked forever" though. Does that make this outfit edgy?

Can we discuss these jeans though? If you've been following me on various places on the Internet over the years you know I almost never wear pants and when I do they are never jeans. However, these are the jeans I've looking for since I was sixteen. They are super stretchy and comfortable and are actually really skinny at the leg! Every other pair of skinny jeans I've worn fit properly everywhere else but fit more like straight leg pants at the bottom. I'm in love. 

Outfit Picture Taking Fails.

Long time no hear from right? I've been away from you guys for so many reasons. I should make a list. List are good!

1.) School - I started going to a four university and was just over whelmed with reading and writing so blogging took a definite backseat.

2.) Lack of Inspiration - So much of the clothing I've been seeing is just not exciting me. You guys know I'm busy. I like prints, patterns, and just different shit in general. Nothing has been serving me that which means I'm just not excited to get dressed. I always strive to bring something new to the table. I can't be posting pictures of myself in just body con dresses and blazers. I don't do natural hair videos, as many have suggested, because I don't have anything to bring to that platform. A wash and go is a wash and go is a wash and go. You don't need me to show you that. I feel the same way about blogging. How many times can I wear a dress and combat boots before you're over it?

3.) I Have Other Passions. I've been making videos on youtube about my first love, books, for a while. I post book reviews, hauls, and other book related videos so check it out here if you're a reader.

4.) Shooting Photos Never Goes Well - Self explanatory.

5.) Study Abroad - I've been running around all summer trying to get my shit together to move for the school year. You'll be happy to know I got more or less worked out and will be moving  toEngland for 9 months. I'm hoping being in a new place will inspire me more so we'll see.

That's it. I do like blogging. There is an urge to share I think will never go away, so I'm not going to officially quit this blog or delete it. I'm just not going to be making promises to post, I'll do it when it can.

So anyway, here some of the failed outfits photos from the pass few weeks.

Jacket - Torrid, Dress - Ashely Nell Tipton (made in a shorter length for me), Boots - Doc Marten. 

Vest - Old Torrid Top I DIYed (The tutorial for that is here), Top - Killer Condo (I'm wearing the 2x which they don't appear to have any more), Skirt - Ashely Nell Tipton (made in a shorter length for me, link is to a similar skirt). 

Jacket - Torrid, Dress - C/O simply be, Boots - Doc Marten.

Nothing Makes a Failure But a Try

I tired to take photos today and these were the only two that were postable (is that a word?). Apparently I wanted to show you that you can also wear this crop top with leggings? So, there's that. I'm taking photos again next week and there will be a full brand new outfit. I promise. Word to the ten people that still visit this blog. You are appreciated! 

My hair slayed in this photo.

Real or Fantasy

Black Teggings - Re/Dress/Faux Leather Skirt, Crop Sequin Tee - Simply Be/ Dino Necklace - Ready to Stare/ Boots - Doc Marten. 

Guess who's back in the mutha fuckin house wit two big tig-o-bitties fa yo mouth!? 

I'm back and for good hopefully. I've asked my friend Lawrence to help me take photos at least once a week while I'm living somewhat near him. I'm not sure what will happen when I go back home in the summer, but lets just bask in the glow of now. Ok? 

I've missed blogging and I hope you like the photos. 

I Was Gone For a Minute Now I'm Back With the Jump Off

Black Teggings- Re/Dress/Jacket - Simply Be/Top - Yours Clothing/Shorts - Torrid/Boots - Doc Marten

Only not really. That title is a product of frequent hood rat moments with my friends. I actually was busy preparing, packing, and moving into university. School is only in week 2 so I'm still getting acclimated but all is well. I even managed to get a work study job. 

Way back when Re/dress was under different management they sent me this pair of teggings and I have just now gotten around to photos. These things are amazing. Tights for me can be costly and break after a few wears, but paired with similar colored socks these have the look of tights and the durability and comfort of leggings. I will definitely be buying more of these for the winter.

Early Summer!

Crop Top (sold out), Leggings (black sold out) - Gisela Ramirez/Necklace - ASOS/Creepers - UNIF Blazer - Salvation Army/Lipstick - Mac's Spirit

Photos by: Jay Boleyn

Technically it's still spring so true to form the weather in Chicago has been all over the place. That means wearing a crop top with a blazer is oddly appropriate. I've worn this crop top outside before and I always get a few looks, stares, and even some comments; but thats par for the course right? These pictures also mark the reunion of my favorite ootd collaborator Jay! He goes back to Georgia tomorrow, but I'm glad we got to take at least one set of outfit photos before he left. I haven't been happy with the last few outfits though I'll just chalk that up to never being happy with your own work. 

Also, I'll be a guest blogger at The Spring Into Summer Shopping & Styling Event hosted by In Her Glam. I'll be talking summer fashion so I hope to see you there! The event is free. RSVP here and get the full info here. 

I've Officially Run Out Of Names For These Things

Scarf - Urban Outfitters/Buttons - Indie Goes Pop/Lipstick - Kontrol via Illamasqua/Glasses - Derek Cardigan 7005 via Coastal.com/Coat - Simply Be/ Leggings - Gisela Ramirez/ Boots - 1460 Patent Leather  via Doc Marten 

Photos by Alex

Second set of edits by Fat Leopard Photography

Here in Chicago we just had our first snow storm so I thought I'd show you my winter uniform. It can be hard to show off your style with outerwear that is still warm enough for Chicago wind and snow so here's how I did it. As lovely as this coat is it's not the warmest so I layered a thick hoodie underneath, I wore a thick pair of Kmart leggings underneath my shiny pair, and threw on a thicker scarf for more warmth. How do you stay cute in snow. 

Space Age

Scarf - American Apparel/Jacket - Torrid/Earrings - Ebay/Dress - Domino Dollhouse 

We tried outfit pictures and failed, but I thought this face picture was ok so I put it on Instagram and Facebook and much to my surprise you guys love it. Since so many people like I thought it should live on the blog and so there you have it. Thanks for the lovely comments on my hair by the way. When I look at it I just see a bunch of messy, curly, unmanaged naps so every compliment takes me by surprise. 

The Redux

Hat - Asos/Top - Torrid/Leggings - Domino Dollhouse/Blazer - Salvation Army/Shoes - Unif/Earrings - Ebay

I decided to give these leggings another try, but this time with this polka dot print top I wore way back in March. I loved the mixed prints and paired it with this thick wool blazer I found on sale at a thrift store during the summer. I went with a beanie for a more casual look and broke out these Unif creepers my mom got me for Christmas. I tried to wait, but these are just too awesome. 

American Girl

Coat - c/o Simply Be/Top - Croft & Barrow Via Kohls/Necklace - Unknown/Stripped Leggings - Domino Dollhouse/Creepers - Underground Via Ebay/Hair Clips - Ebay

I'm not the biggest fan of Kohls, but around the time I started walking again I was willing to go anywhere that wasn't my house. I ended up finding this denim shirt in the big & tall mens section. I love it because it's long enough to be tunic length or tucked it for a more tailored look. I paired it with these great stripped leggings for a put together look, but casual look. The leggings were a little big in the waist, but I sewed them up with some quick stitches and rolled them up at the ends to give them the look of pants. I wore this to American Girl for my nieces birthday.  

Simple, But Serious

Sweater - Thrifted/Necklace - Asos/Top - F21/Shoes - Unif/Leggings - Gisela Ramirez/Bag - Target

Photos by Jay Boleyn

Once again you guys have convinced me to post pictures I didn't care for at first. This is one of my most worn, simple, casual outfits, but when I took pictures of it my camera was putting this foggy cast on the photos. Also, I thought this outfit was just too casual, but it received a lot of love on tumblr and instagram so I figured I would go ahead and post these. 

These have obviously been edited with a filter, but I like the effect it has. It also doesn't dramatically change the way the outfit looks. What are your thoughts on filters? What is your favorite casual look? 

Incase you missed it I was featured in a 20 minute conversation with a few other awesome bloggers on Huffington Post Live. If you missed it you can check it out here. 

One of my favorite magazines, Bust, featured the bloggers from the NY Times article with pictures on their website here. It's a great way to check out the styles of all the bloggers in one place. 

Finally, Fat Shopaholic was mentioned on Rookie Mag in an article about how to dress different bodies. Check it out here. 

Mix It Up

Jacket - Trip via Torrid/Top - Yours Clothing/Pants- Simply Be/Shoes - Torrid/Earrings - Ebay/Clutch - Asos/Buttons - Gallery 37 (Chicago),Beatniks (Chicago), Domino Dollhouse. 

Photos by Jay Boleyn 

Is there such a thing as a universal print? If there isn't I'm nominating strips as the first one. I love mixing prints and textures, and I just find that strips are really easy to match with other prints. It looks great with floral, army fatigue, and maybe even leopard print? Don't quote me on that last one; I'll have to try it out and get back to you.  It was in the 60's over the weekend so I just threw on my moto jacket with all my buttons and my forever abused torrid flats. I  can't ride the bus yet so I've been carrying around smaller bags and have been loving it. My Barney bags will make a come back when I'm not a car booty anymore for sure.

In keeping with the Fall/Winter of 90's I'm wearing these floral pants from Simply Be. I usually get a 28 in trousers, but I've lost a few pounds so the 26 fits perfect. 

Also, I went back and edited the last 4 outfits to have links for any items that are still available. I was getting tons of questions about where to find plus size army jackets, so I thought adding links would make things easier for you guys. Don't forget that if you want to be up to date on my style and get pieces before they're gone I update this pinterest board regularly with my purchases. 

Finally, I was quoted briefly in the New York Times with a few other really awesome bloggers. You can check out the article here if you like. 

Suited Up

Photos by Jay Boleyn

The suit is one of the few trends I'm actually loving this season. I love the bright blue color of this one from Simply Be. I also really love the fit of the pants. If you're wondering I picked up the 28. To help make this a bit more casual and to keep up with my 90's theme I added a side pony tail, door knocker earrings and a more casual top. It's awesome that with a few adjustments suits can work for day or night. I also threw on this awesome coat with faux leather sleeves to complete the look for a chilly day.  

Suit (Jacket & Pants) - c/o Simply Be/ Coat - c/o Simply Be/ Top - Thrifted/Shoes - Dolce Vita for Target/Earrings, Clutch - Asos.