All Black Everything

HANDS DOWN, this has got to be my favorite outfit I've ever worn. 

I got the chance to get all dolled up, when the girls and I made our way to the Friday Night Live ROM. (Which is a party they throw at the Toronto museum) We actually got to sip cocktails while looking at exhibits then shook our booties around old artifacts (not really).

There was no dress code identified on the event, so when in doubt: All Black Everything. 

An all black outfit always looks chic and fashionable (with no real effort) and it's hard to define if you're overdressed or not. But in my opinon, go fashionably over-dressed if you're unsure of the dress code. You'll just look more fabulous than others than awkwardly out of place. 

I mentioned this faux leather skirt in a Friday Favorites, and even though it's a size larger (than I order) it was actually a bit too tight! I could barely breathe but it really emphasized my waist. The pleating in this skirt was also perfect. 

I was unsure over which top to wear, so I tried on about 4 black body suits and narrowed it down to these two:

I love (and have never worn) the one with the sheer sleeves, but I felt too over done (and too many textures). I think if it was a bigger night time event it would've been perfect. The one I'm wearing on the right is my basic body suit, and it is such a staple (I recommend everyone to own one). The only downfall was how sheer it is, and how my red bra pops (when taken with flash). I actually had to edit the red out.  

I'm also in LOVE LOVE LOVE with this belt, I received so many compliments on it! And the combination with this skirt was just too perfect. 

(here is a random photo of the scooped back)

**Also, excuse the crazy curls...the wind was not friendly that night.**

Outfit Details:

Black 3/4 sleeved body suit - ASOS Curve
Faux leather skater skirt - Newlook.com (Inspire)
Sheer black tights - ASOS Curve
Riding boots - Lanebyrant.com

Arrow necklace - ASOS

Oui/Non belt - ASOS Curve

Friday Favorites - November 9, 2012

           

Cable Knit Sweaters (GMarket)

Of course with autumn rolling by and winter coming up, knitted sweaters are always the best options. Not only are they adorable, but extremely warm. I enjoy the cable knit sweaters because they add enough detail to make the outfit. Wearing them with leggings or jeans is simple but still effective. The shoe options are also endless: boots, booties, loafers and uggs. 

These sweaters are specifically from gmarket, an affordable site to order tons of different styles of sweaters. The only problem is navigating the site and the hundreds of styles they have (and also that half of the site is in Korean)

Dior Airflash Foundation 301 - Sephora, Shoppers Drugmart etc

Dior Airflash is a foundation in an areosol can. It shoots out a soft mist of foundation that creates a build-able light to medium coverage. You can apply it straight from the bottle (to your face) or spray it on a brush or sponge! 

 I've actually owned this foundation for years and I'm always on/off about it. I'll use it for a few months  and love it, then put it away and forget about it. Its a great combination of liquid and powder, so I don't need to set it after I've applied it. That's what makes it my favorite this week because it is extremely quick and efficient! I had 3 tests this week and the last thing on my mind if a full application of liquid, powder and concealer. This foundation is so build-able that it can actually act as all three! 

I apply it by doing a quick mist over my face and blend it with my ELF powder brush (a stiff flat top brush). Then I add more foundation to needed areas but spraying it directly onto the brush and dabbing/blending it over my face. 

The only reason why I don't use it more often (year round) is because their shade selection (in this foundation) is so limited. I can only wear this shade in the colder months when I lost my tan, and the next shade up is too dark. 

Faux Leather Skater Skirt - Newlook.com

I've been dying to get this skirt! The skater cut is my favorite type of skirt, and its combination with leather makes me squeal! I feel like it represents my cutesy style with a dash of sass. 

It's also pretty affordable compared to some other ones I've found. But sadly I waited too long and it's no longer available in my size. I'm actually debating on the risk to get the next size up but the only thing holding me back are the non-existent occasions to wear them too.  

Back Zip Riding Boots - Lane Bryant

I think the biggest thing for me this fall has been tall boots, especially paired with tall socks/legwamers. As you can see from my last OOTD, they really add a cozy touch but doesn't dress down the outfit. 

These boots I picked up from lanebryant.com because we don't have the retail store in Canada (yet?). The price is definitely different from what I'm used to paying but I can feel the difference with it comes to the quality and comfort. And, of course the reason why these are great are the wide calf fit! Tall boots can be just a dream to plus size girls like me, luckily there are companies that make proper wide calf boots like this one! 

**If you are having trouble finding wide calf boots in your price range, I suggest searching eBay. I made a conscious effort to search eBay weekly for new or pre-owned wide calf boots. I've actually found a pair (half the price of the LB ones), brand new and amazing fit/quality!**

Black Velvet and Mesh Tunic - Dorothyperkins.com

Last one, I swear! (I'm making up for all my missed FF). This is a tunic I spotted on DP's site a couple weeks ago, and there are five things I fell in love with:

1. The soft black velvet

2. The sweet heart neckline + mesh combo to make my tata's say "hello!"

3. The ruffled shoulders that gives such a sweet look

4. The fact it's a tunic, so it's the perfect dress length for little short me. 

5. It was in the sale section + additional 20% off! 

This dress definitely has the potential to be my birthday outfit next month....now if only I had real plans for my birthday. 

"Let me twirl my hair and bat my lash."

Long time no see dolls! 

Its been such a long time since I've done a post and my apologies! As you guys may know I'm back to school, so I'm pretty rusty at juggling school work. These photos were actually taken a couple weeks ago, before Amanda and I headed out to a friend's birthday. 

It was a low key bar scene so I decided to keep it simple. I've been OBSESSED with tall boots with tall socks, I try to wear them with all my fall outfits. The striped shirt was buried in my closet but really added a cute touch. I felt nautical and parisian :) 

**Thick calves/thigh? Having trouble with finding tall socks? I use very stretchy leg warmers! They give the illusion of thigh high socks. (I've gotten many of mine from H&M). I've also gotten many tall socks from sockdreamz.com. They have a wide plus size selection.** 

Clearly I need a break...or to go out more often. Curled hair?? EYESHADOW?!? 

I've been slacking on putting effort into the little things that make me feel more glamourous. No matter how hectic things can get, never forget a little self-care! 

The Canadian cold is playing tricks on us this year. One day it's windy and frigid, the next day I'm sweating in just a sweater. So no matter what I always need to be prepared, this is my fall-jacket-when-the-weather-kind-of-feels-more-like-winter jacket. 

I also kept accessories at a minimal so I just threw on my casio watch and a studded bracelet. 

Outfit Details:

Striped top - H&M

Black skater skirt - ASOS Curve

Sheer black tights - ASOS Curve

Wool legwarmers - H&M

Black riding boots - Lane Bryant

Green parka - Forever21+

Casio watch - eBay

Studded bracelet - Aldo

Love,

Michelle

Seven Nation Army

Fun Fact of the Day: Jack White has said in interviews that "Seven Nation Army" is what he used to call the Salvation Army when he was little. And fantastic segue, I bought this military-style jacket while thrifting this summer! (It took me ten minutes to write that out the way it sounded in my head and the pun still didn't work. Phooey.) I hate buying clothes that I can't wear for months because it feels like I'm adopting a puppy only to take him home and not play with him until September. Too dramatic? Maybe.

Can't believe it's already, what, the last week of September? This month has been a whirlwind of doing stuff, maxing out my credit card to pay for textbooks (sad forever), and generally doubting that I'll ever, ever graduate from school. The usual. And then I had a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks and really soaked in the fact that this will be my life for the next nine months or so. Except around Christmas, I get to drink Peppermint Lattes instead.

And so, I'm developing my own school uniform - mainly skirts, leggings/pantyhose, and over-sized tops. Is it weird that I really don't like how pants look on me anymore? This striped sweater that I bought at H&M a few years ago has been my go-to, because it goes with everything. I'm also leaning away from a lot of colour, which is new. I used to never wear any black, or own any for that matter. Look guys, I'm getting all mature!

Also, yes, that is Michelle's shadow of her taking a picture of me being introspective while she takes my picture next to a school portable wall. Just so we're clear.

Also, I love these shoes. They are so comfy and make my legs look long and stuff. Old Navy is a great alternative to Forever 21 for cheap, trendy shoes. And that's my final thought.

Happy Tuesday! 

Outfit Details:
Military Jacket - Thrifted (Size: L)
Striped Sweater - H&M
Skirt - H&M (Size: 10)
Leggings - Costco
Wedges - Old Navy
Earrings - Aldo Accessories

This brick, normally used to hold down my barbeque cover doubled as Michelle's photographer's stool.

Hipster Curls, Suburban S'mores and Thunder Storms

Amanda, Tobi and I decided to get together to live a bit of summer and make s'mores on Amanda's backyard fireplace. Sadly, it was thunder storming like crazy so we couldn't make a fire or take pretty pictures outside. I decided to opt for the porch because I am in LOVE with this outfit. 

 

When I first put this outfit on, I felt like a hipster/tumblr girl. Of course, I don't aspire to be them or anything. But it felt great to see those styles on my dashboard every day to me eventually wearing it.
*Remember: It's not the body that makes it outfit, it's the confidence :D

You can check out my DIY post on these shorts HERE

They're holding up very well too, I'm starting to love cut-offs opposed to cuffed shorts. They make me feel like a plus size Asian Daisy Dukes. Now I need those coveted cow boy boots, because "one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you"

 

 

*Thanks to Amanda for making my knockers look big in this one. 

 

  Outfit Details:

White strapless top - Walmart (XL)

Ombre denim shorts - Thrifted and DIY

Brown woven belt - ASOS.com

Brown moccasins - Forever21

Black cord/Crystal necklace - Toronto ROM

White skull head "shambala" bracelet - Beyond the Rack

 Let's not forget the reason why we got together! To make those lovely ooey gooey smores! 

We decided to roast them in the oven, since mother nature decided against our sweet tooth. 

Not only did I buy the giant marshmallows but they expanded about three times their size. 

(Believe me there are graham crackers under those bad boys)

In the end we got our sticky treats after topping them with chocolate melts from Bulk Barn. Only to regret them about 5 minutes after. Although we did spend those 5 glorious minutes with marshmallow and chocolate running down our hands while watching Virgin Diaries on TLC (have any of you guys seen it?)

Let's end it off with a typical "tumblr" picture of me and my curls  

(video on it coming soon)

Love,

Michelle

Sweet Sweet Sailor

I think you guys knew this was coming... a nautical inspired outfit (surprised?). Even though I love anything nautical, I still want to spread some diversity across my half of the blog. But I do have to get back to my roots and dress up as a sailor in an unconventional way. 

This is an outfit I would love to wear out because it's kind of sexy but also represents my cute style. Sadly, I put this on so I could take pictures with Amanda in her backyard. The most interaction we had was being buffet food for the swarm of mosquitos (and when a dragonfly bumped into me). But if my social life really was kickin', I would be rocking an outfit like this. 

The top I'm wearing is actually a crop top! It's a shirt that typically wouldn't fit me (but thank god for cotton right?) so I have to make it look like it's tucked into something. The cut of the tank top isn't what I'm usually comfortable with, but I will do anything for a sailor inspired top. 

The tights were definitely not needed for this outfit, but I'm still trying to experiment with layering (accessories) and not always going for the bare minimum. 

Outfit Details

Sailor Crop Top - Forever21 (Large)

Black Skater Skirt - ASOS Curve (UK22)

Mock Sock Tights - eBay (2XL)

Black Brogues - Forever21

Navy Hair Bow - American Apparel 

See you on the high seas!

Love,

Michelle

Blue Skies Over Badlands

This necklace proves that impulse shopping leads to great things. It's the most expensive jewelery I've ever bought from Forever 21, however I only realized how much it cost after I hit purchase. I ended up loving it and it made for great pictures.

Lesson? BUY BUY BUY. And think later.

I wore this outfit to volunteer at my research job downtown which requires me to dress up (no jeans, running shoes, etc.), so I usually pull together some kind of cute shirt, skirt, flats combo. I've owned the skirt for a few years now, and it's made its way to staple status in my wardrobe, largely in part due to its having pockets. I really aim high.

Despite the fun I've had putting together outfits for the blog so far, I often rant about my hate for summer - particularly the fact that you can't layer. You put on a skirt and a top and... that's it. Where are the scarves! The legwarmers! The cardigans! Sigh. If anyone needs me, I'll be in a field somewhere waiting for The Great Pumpkin. 

Begrudgingly yours,
-A

Outfit Details:
Necklace - Forever 21
Top - Winners
Skirt - H&M (2009)
Flats - Forever 21

(Pssst, you can also follow me on Tumblr here.)

New Things to Try (Boots & Arms)

 

This outfit definitely takes the insecurity cake! I threw this outfit together last minute after destroying my room looking for something to wear. There are a few elements of this outfit I would have never done before, but hey you gotta try new things right?? 

This is my first sleeveless post ever, I've never even done this on any of my OOTD videos on my YouTube. I have a difficult relationship with my arms but it's actually quite liberating so I'll definitely be doing it again. The boots are also quite random, I know it's not usually suggested for thick legs like mine to wear boots bare legged. Oh well, I thought it looked particularly BADASS :P 

I am loving my accessories in this outfit though. The necklace was hiding in my jewelry holder because I bought it a year ago and never touched it.

Outfit Details
Striped Cropped Tank Top - American Apparel
Denim Vest - Forever21+
Grey Skater Skirt - H&M
Black Boots - Nine West
Spike Necklace - Forever21
Cross Ring - eBay
Cross Earrings - Forever21

Love,
Michelle

Amanda's Mending Box - Dress Hemming Time!

This is my mending box. I keep this box in my room full of all my clothes that got lost along the way. Forever 21 dresses that fall apart after two washes, pantyhose with holes at the toes (stupid size 10 feet), and things I find shopping with potential to fix eventually.

My latest project was this beauty I found shopping with Michelle and Tobi at Black Market on Queen Street in Toronto.

I loved the button-down front and the stitching of the high-waist. My friends also told me it was somewhat of a departure from my usual colourful/printed palette. I wouldn't have minded it if it was maxi-length, but cutting me off mid-calf made it reallyyyy unflattering. One of my favourite things about thrifting is being able to modify clothing to my body. Having hips and thighs means every skirt/dress I own rides up a few inches, making dressing for summer an uncomfortable affair. Now I get to customize the skirt length and style.

The first step was to put the dress on and decide where I wanted it to fall - just below the last button. Next, I took the dress off and lay it on a flat surface. Using my measuring tape, I lay out an approximately straight line. Since I didn't have a fabric pen, I used a concealer pencil to draw a line to cut above. 

The hem came out like I hoped - with the back slightly longer than the front. The messy lines weren't an issue since hemming came next. I folded the edges of the hem to create a smooth, even line and used pins to hold it in place.

Then came the fun part. Since I'm still learning to use my sewing machine, I thought it best to hem the skirt by hand. I use a really simple method my Mom taught me. Turning the dress inside out, I cut a long piece of thread, and tie a knot at one end. I then move the needle under the fabric about 2cm and pull the thread through. Then, I pull the needle back, into the fabric where I entered the first time, only to pull the needle out about 4cm after, ultimately creating a loop. I guess a good analogy would be two steps forward, one step back. After watching a few hours of TLC, it was finally done.

You can see how it looked here.

-A
(P.S. You can follow me on Tumblr here.)