Step into Summer with SWAK

Hi Dolls!!! June 20^th marks the official first day of Summer 2016 {eagerly inserts happy dance emoji}.Unbelievably we are already in the middle of our very first heatwave of the season. How's the weather in your part of the world? In typical girly, style loving fashion, I'm celebrating the very first day of Summer by sharing with you a few of my favorite summer pieces, c/o SWAK Designs. SWAK sells plus size clothing from size 1x-6x. Last month when I received SWAK’s Splish Splash Summer 2016 Look Book via email, I was blown away!!! Beautiful colors, fantastic prints, and summertime goodness was served! 

For starters, take a gander at this wonderful butterfly print duster (Darla Duster). I’m wearing a size 1X. I absolutely swoon over it each and every single time that I wear it. I’ve mentioned before how usually when I acquire a new piece, I like to wear it several times in short succession. This helps me to get a true feel for the piece, and to generate more ideas of how I’d like to style it in the future. So far with this duster I’m already up to 4 times of wear and counting -and I’ve only had it for 2 weeks! The look as pictured here was worn on a getaway with my husband. I found it to be fabulously suitable for day life on the resort and night life out with the girls. During the day, I opted to pair it with flat black suede thong sandals.I wore it actually as pictured, for the night. This duster flows gloriously, and the fabric breathes.  An added bonus for gals on the short side: The length. Despite my height, even without my heels, it does not touch the ground, at all.

Next up we have a great floral maxi dress staple. Maxi dresses are synonymous with warm weather as is floral prints, this dress is no exception. Her name is ‘Erin’ and she has a fantastic print with wonderfully soft material that ebbs and flows. One thing that I really appreciate in all clothing items is versatility. I try to think about how many ways an item can be styled, prior to purchasing it. I can see this dress styled with a belt and cardigan (lightweight or heavy duty, depending on your need/preference) making for a great look in the Spring or Fall. Since the temperatures were in the triple digit zone when I wore/styled this, I opted for a minimal approach. Doesn't going minimal always equate to feeling 'cooler'? LOL! I added a simple gold filigree necklace along with cork heels to fit the bill. Note: This dress is long. If you have long legs and or are tall, you can wear heels with this dress, and it will still look like a maxi dress. If you're on the shorter side like me, not to worry, it can be knotted in a variety of ways, including as pictured here. I wore it with a side knot and frontal knot, and noticed that both ways vary up the length considerably. Plus, I have on four inch heels ;)

Last but certainly not least, we take a stroll over to the tropics via the Lani Wrap Dress. Lani has a wonderful print that makes me think of Hawaiian luau under the stars. It is very generous in size. I’m wearing a size 1X, but could have easily sized down. Actually, I couldn't size down because SWAK starts at at 1x :) Wearing a US size fourteen offers me opportunities to shop straight sizes along with plus sizes. One added benefit that I appreciate about shopping plus sizes is that the sizing is generally generous, versus on the small/tight side. 

Actually, I’ve blogged several looks from SWAK in the past that you may enjoy; See examples here, here, and here. 

Well Loves, I hope that this stroll through down summertime lane via SWAK designs has left you inspired and brimming with new ideas.

Until next time,
XO

1st look: Duster, c/o SWAK Designs-Halter top: Buffalo- Satin Pants: Sejour -Black shoes: Aldo- Sunnies: Marshalls

2nd look: Maxi dress, c/o SWAK Designs- Sunnies: Francesca’s- Cork sandals: Market

3rd look: Wrap dress, c/o SWAK Designs – Headscarf: Vintage- Sunnies: Nordstrom- Statement necklace: TJMAXX- Floral print heels: Unisa

Spring Forward

We have officially entered the countdown for Spring! ! ! Can you believe that it is less than six weeks away?! Most of the US is in a freeze zone, but in my neck of the woods we’re experiencing a glimpse of Summer 2016, complete with near record breaking temperatures. Highs peaked at 89 degrees the other day, simply unbelievable in the middle of February- but nonetheless wonderful!  

I opened the windows in my office, cracked the sunroof while driving, and happily peeled off a suddenly unnecessary sweater :)

The vest that I’m wearing in today’s post boasts a gorgeous floral print, completely reminiscent of all the glory that is springtime. I mean, isn’t floral print synonymous with warmer temperatures?! I’m not saying that floral print can’t be worn effortlessly all year around, however there is something distinctive about florals that always make me think of Spring days back in the Midwest…  This vest is fabulously simple, I feel like it does all of the work. I’m so happy that I didn’t leave it in the store, as I most certainly debated about it over and over again… You see, I have a notorious habit of talking myself out of buying things, and then later on languishing over my poor decision, wishing that I would have bought the item. The advantage of making the purchase when in doubt is that the item can always be returned (at most retailers)! However, if you leave it in the store, you never know if it will be there when you go back, especially in your size O_O 
Now that we’ve gone through confessions of #ShoppersAnonymous , I'll keep it moving...

This vest is easily dressed up or down, layered, and can simply be worn over the shoulders in cape-like fashion. The winning factors for me were the print, length, and functional pockets. Oftentimes pockets are not deep enough to be fully functional, so I always appreciate a pocket that can actually hold my keys, cell, and so on….

Now let's chat about this fitted beauty by swak designs- I fell hard for the side ruching detail right away. The body con design is fabulous on curves and with strategic ruching can camouflage a multitude of indiscretions, if you know what I mean ;) I've been experimenting with wearing more neutral colors and gray has become a fast favorite. It goes with everything, and easily subs for its close cousin, black.

Until next time lovies,
XO

Sunnies: Betsey Johnson| Vest: Daniel Rainn |Dress: swak designs, gifted| Sandals: Call It Spring

Gray Areas

Fabulous news: I teamed up with SWAK Designs for today’s blog post!!! Check out how their fantastic cardigan can be styled in not one, not two, but yes ----->THREE ways!!!
Stop the press… Isn’t it gorgeous?! When I tried it on after having it freshly pressed, I thought to myself: ‘Where have you been all of my life?!’ To be honest, "The Parker" EXCEEDED my expectations. Its soft texture, glorious flow, added with the fact that it is just short of duster length scores 4 gold stars in my book. SWAK has a variety of styles for the curvy consumer, yes plus size clothing options that are wonderfully affordable for the working class woman. Let’s review each look, starting with my personal favorite first: RED, WHITE, AND GRAY

The Parker Cardigan is the shining star and clearly steals all the thunder.  I snagged the idea of trying out this color combo from an outfit that ‘Dorothy’ of The Golden Girls wore. Do you watch that show?! I have it on DVD, so even when it’s not on Hallmark/Lifetime on cable, I can always pop in a DVD and get my GG fix! Oops, I digress…moving on... This look is great for a night out with your guy or with the gals! I believe accessories make the 'fit', so I added a wool fedora, aviators, and a faux fur collar. Notice that I’m wearing white in the winter! I’ve said time and time again that white is easily worn year round. Granted, I live in a mild climate. It does not snow in the winter, which definitely allows for greater flexibility, which may not be possible in extremely cold climates. However, imagine layering this cardigan with a ankle length coat, and swapping out the sandals for pointy toe booties. Do you see what I see? The possibilities are endless!

Hat: D&Y| Aviators:Fashion District| Faux fur collar: Old (worn here)| Top: Dress to Kill (worn here)| White denim: NYDJs (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Tildon

Now let's move on to what I like to call, MODERN GLAMOUR

This look targets monochrome for the win. If you’re unsure about which colors to pair with what, monochrome is a safe bet for simple slayage. This look features multiple shades of gray, which work hand in hand to generate cohesiveness. I want to keep it 100% with my readers, so I’ll let you in on something: This look was actually my least favorite. Why? It reminded me of the extra pounds that have recently joined me and have since become unwanted house guests. I keep offering them options for departure, however they love me so much that they just do not want to leave. I can appreciate their admiration. Nonetheless, they must go! To be completely clear:  Yes, I love my body. I embrace being plus size. However, I prefer to stay within a certain size range so that I can fit ALL items in my wardrobe. Buying a new wardrobe in a different size is not an acceptable option. 
Moving forward, a cardigan is a great way to add coverage and additional volume to body con dresses and skirts (see more plus size cardigan options here). I am definitely in the market for long cardigans in multiple colors!

Sunnies: Nordstrom| Dress:Komarov (also worn here)| Fur collar: Chinchilla (thrifted)| Suede clutch: Vintage| Shoes: Anne Klein (worn here)

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at THE STATE OF GRAY

A look perfect for daily wear: Think running errands, casual day at the office, or even a lunch date. I paired My Parker* with a classic pinstripe button-up, gray denim, and black open toe booties.

 Sunnies: Fashion District| Pinstripe shirt: Jones New York| Statement necklace: Nordstrom| Gray denim: NYDJs| Booties: Chinese Laundry (worn here)| Clutch & gloves: Old

Now that I've chatted non-stop, I’d love to hear from YOU! Which is your favorite look and why?
Until next time Style Lovers,
XO

*The Parker Cardigan worn and referenced above was gifted by SWAK Designs.