Neutrals

My outfit plan for today was to use a bunch of neutrals to show that you don't need to have color in an outfit to make it interesting. It was all going very well until I saw on the ground next to my closet my dorothy shoes and I couldn't help myself but to wear them today. So here you are an outfit entirely of neutrals...and then my bright red shoes because they are so fucking cute I could die.

The Outfit: beige/brown cardigan, black dress, black shorts, silver/black/white jewelry, red awesome wizard of oz shoes.

(Look how cute they are!!!! Just like Dorothy's!!!! Gah!)

Where: Shoes, kid section of Walmart. Shorts, Walmart. Dress, Walmart. Cardigan, H&M. Juicy necklace, Chinatown NYC. Beaded necklace, birthday gift.

Make-up: Excuse the slightly blurry picture, my eyeshadow was a purple/pink and I had a neutral lip. I dunno why I chose the purple/pink. Prolly because I hadn't done it in awhile. And it sort of works with the outfit, though looking back I probably would've done a grey/brown shadow and a red lip. Oh well. There's always next time.

Why it works:

1. I actually think this is one of my least flattering outfits, though I can't figure out why I dislike it so much. I've followed all my rules, the dress comes in at the waist, and poofs out around my stomach.
2. The dress is black and creates a flattering silhouette
3. The cardigan hides unwanted arm fat
4. Everything goes because everything is neutral =] (besides my awesome shoes that I am completely in love with)

ohmygod shoes.

Normally I like to do a little variety in my posts, and since I just did a mostly pink floral yesterday, I was going to try and not do that again for awhile. However I couldn't help myself. I went to Walmart today and bought myself THESE!

They're the fuggin cutest boots eber. like doc martens style but better/cheaper. And I just HAD to style my outfit around my new boots. And since they're kinda punk/edgy I decided to juxtapose that look with a very girly look aka florals and pinks.

I also splurged ten dollars and bought THESE:

Aren't they amazing? I found them in the little kids section but they fit! They are sequined red bow flats and they look just like Dorothy shoes!!!! SO awesome. I am now referring to them as my Oz Shoes. I can't wait to wear them with a blue and white dress. I will feel so bad ass/Dorothy inspired!

But anyways onto the outfit:

The outfit: bright pink cardigan, pink floral dress (I also own the blue version that was posted earlier on this blog), green floral pendant, black boots

Where: pink floral dress from Forever21 for $13.50, pink cardigan from Delias don't remember price but it was Delias so I know it was expensive, green pendant necklace that was made by my grandmom, and super awesome boots from Walmart for $20.

Make-up: Keeping with the girly theme of the outfit that was done to outweigh the boots, I have shimmery pink eyeshadow and a pink lip-stick

Why it works:

1. The dress, like the blue version, has a flattering cut
2. The cardigan is once again being used to hide arm fat
3. The boots are military-esque and punk looking, I juxtaposed them with a pink floral girly look to soften them up. They can however be worn in different ways, it was a personal preference to create the juxtaposition.
4. This outfit is again matchy but not too much, the green floral and the pink sweater are there to reinforce the "girlyness" of the pink floral dress. Again, done intentionally against the boots.

simple

This is an example of a very simple outfit, I didn't really have a lot of time today to get a better outfit, though I think it works all the same. The dress alone is enough to make the outfit cute, but I added some finishing touches.

The Outfit: Floral print dress, black lace camisole, black spandex shorts, yellow cardigan, golden mermaid necklace, seriously beat up Minnetonka moccasins.

Where: The dress is from Wetseal, the camisole is from TJ Maxx, the sweater is from Charlotte Russe, the moccasins are from a Minnetonka catalog, and the necklace was from a thrift store in my hometown but I've seen a lot of them on Etsy.com

Make-up: I did a light green on my eye because I was wearing yellow and pink and I feel all those colors go nicely together. Since I was again, going to be emphasizing my eyes, I felt just a touch of lip gloss and blush were necessary.

Why it works:

1. This outfit is simple enough, it's really the shape of the dress that makes it flattering for someone who is heavier. I cannot stress enough how clothes that hug right under your chest and then let loosen around your stomach are the way to go. Maximum flattery. The print also is useful for distracting the eye.
2. The sweater is styled to be over-sized in the arms which helps draw attention away from things such as upper arm fat which I have a lot of.
3. The camisole and shorts are necessary for a dress like this because otherwise my chest and ass would be hanging out constantly.
4. The yellow in the sweater goes nicely with the yellow in the dress. This is an example of me being matchy, however, it is not necessary to go this route if you'd prefer, though with a busy print like this it is sometimes nice to be matching because there are so many colors already.

High-Waisted Skirts.

I'm a fan. They are universally flattering, fashionable, come in cute prints, and are more versatile than a dress. All very good things. Any time you see a high waisted skirt and you're considering buying it...buy it. Unless you already have like...10. Then you have a problem. Stop buying high waisted skirts and get more things in your wardrobe. Like dresses. And leggings.

DISCLAIMER: I think the skirt I'm wearing in this oufit is technically not intended to be a high waisted skirt. idfc. because it is cute. and they can deal with it. I look friggin adorable. Minus my arms (Erlack).

Outfit: High waisted navy blue ruffled skirt with bird print on it. Navy blue cami. Blue sweater (Yes I already wore this in a previous blog outfit....deal with it). Cowboy boots (Again a repeat. But who would not repeat wear these cowboy boots? I mean look at them they are so awesome!). Golden Snitch necklace for the nerd in me. Pink belt (Repeat). Rose bracelet that is also a repeat. I only have so many clothes. I'm not like Paris Hilton. I don't have a sex tape and an endless supply of clothes!!! Ok I lied I have like 12 sex tapes. You caught me.

Where: Skirt was from H&M I think it was around $20...mostly because everything from that store is around $20. Cami also from H&M. I'm going to guess it was also around $20. Cowboy boots from Rainbow. Rose bracelet from a boutique in Sea Isle. Blue sweater from Walmart. Belt from Walmart. Golden Snitch courtesy of the boyfrannnn but it's from Etsy.com

Total Cost: who cares. I think I'm done this "total cost" thing I can never remember how much I paid for anything anyway. Plus I don't like math. Even simple math. In fact I'm terrible at simple math.

Make up: Excuse my awkward facial expression. I think I thought I was being quirky or something. I failed. Anyways, I just got my eyebrows waxed!! So I was like this is cause for celebration my eyebrows do not look like monstrous beasts ready to eat my face, I can call attention to them with shimmer! So I put shimmer around the top of my brow towards the end of the eye as well as shimmer on the inner creases which I have done before. This is supposed to help make your eyes look bigger. I also did a bright purple shadow because it goes with blue and pink. I did just a little lip gloss, natural colored, because my eyes were going to be the main focus.

Why it works:

1. Like I said before, high waisted skirts are universally flattering, you just have to find the right kind. An A-line works best because it pulls away from the stomach.
2. The belt, again, is used to emphasis the smallest part of me.
3. The cardigan, again, is used to hide my arm fat that I'm insecure about (though the sleeves aren't as long as I would like them to be, the longer the sleeve the more arm fat is covered and the better)
4. The colors can be mixed, though there is pink in the oufit in the print of the birds. Pretty much everything is matchy except the boots with the rest of the outfit.
5. The boots are brown and black, the outfit is navy. You CAN mix neutrals. It actually makes you look more fashion-forward if you do because it looks like you took kind of a risk. But you didn't. Mixing neutrals will always look nice, you don't have to be as cautious with them as you have to be with mixing bright colors. I'm pro mixing neutrals. (NEUTRALS INCLUDE: gray, navy blue, black, brown, white, beige...pretty much any non-color)

Layering-ish

Ok so I know I haven't blogged in a bit...that's because I've been in friggin Harry Potter World!!!! EEEE. So happy!!!!!! I got many nerdy things such as Sirius Black's wand and a Ravenclaw scarf (I already have a Gryffindor one). But now, since I am sure you have missed me very very very much, here is my post:

Outfit: black spandex shorts, pink cheetah print tunic/top, oversized black military/sailor style sheer top, black knit sweater, blue flats. I didn't wear any jewelry because I figured the outfit had so much going on without it.

Where: black military/sailor styled top is from Forever21 their Faith21 section, I got it XXL so it would be oversized on me, around $20. pink cheetah top is also from Forever21. Don't remember the price. The black knit sweater is from H&M, don't remember the price. Black spandex shorts you have seen before. Blue shoes are from Macy's on the sale rack several years ago.

Total Cost: Can't remember =]

Make-up: I did simple make-up, following my no jewelry approach, because I think the outfit has a lot going on as it is. Just some shimmer makeup at the crease of my eye, eyeliner, mascara, and a light lip gloss.

Why it works:

1. The oversized-ness of the top allows for me to hide my stomach
2. The cheetah top clings but is hidden because it is a light fabric and the black sheer military top is dark enough to hide the stomach bumps but still sheer so that the cheetah print shoes through
3. The style of the military top create a line going down my body which is flattering.
4. The knit shrug helps hide back fat created by bra digging and my arms which you all know I hate.
5. The blue shoes add a second pop of color to the outfit which is mostly black minus the pink cheetah print. Yes, again, I say it, you can mix colors. You don't have to be all matchy. Pink and blue go together. They are pretty colors.
6. The differing of fabrics creates a nice layered look, the knit, with sheer, with the cottony, with the spandex, with the satin-ee shoes, it all brings a nice dimension to the outfit that would normally have to be created with jewelry/accessories.

mixing prints.

Yes. You can do it. Warning: this has to be done properly. "Mixing prints is ok on all occasions" is not what I am saying. There are very specific rules for mixing prints.

However it is possible:

The Outfit: a black and white printed dress, black spandex shorts because the dress is short and I don't want everyone seeing my ass. weird i know, turquoise sweater with black stripes, pink rose and pearl bracelet, simple gold necklace (my harry potter time turner in my case...but can be exchanged for any simple necklace...something less lame/nerdy perhaps), and black shrug short boots.

Where: the dress cost $13.50 from Forever21 and was a birthday gift. The necklace was a Christmas gift from Etsy.com I think it cost around $20. The boots are from Famous Footwear and are $45. The rose pearl necklace was from a boutique in Sea Isle NJ I can't remember the price. The turquoise sweater is from H&M and cost around $20.

Total Cost: a little under $100. the thing that really has the price going up is the boots. Without them the outfit would be closer to 40ish.

Make-up: i did a metallic/sparkly eyeshadow to match the metallic in the in the belt of the dress, as well as just a simple pink lip gloss.

Why it works:

1. The dress is a flattering cut, again the ones that cinch in just under your chest and pull away from the stomach are always going to be the best bet.
2. The prints are able to mix because one print is more complex than the other. The print of my dress overshadows the simple striped print of the cardigan. This is an important rule to know. Most simple patterns such as smaller polka dots or stripes can be paired with more complex patterns like florals, patterns like the ones on my dress, or even animal prints. Its really a outfit to outfit basis. Another example of mixing prints can be found in outfit 2. I mix a snake-skin boot with a floral print dress! It works! Just make sure one of the prints is considered more neutral.
3. Some may be afraid to mix the turquoise sweater with the pink bracelet, but this is another thing I will address in my blog in a stronger example. For now I will say not everything has to match. As long as they go together.

{SIDE: A nice reference for this is the color wheel. Colors that are opposite of themselves on the color wheel go together. They actually visually stand out next to each other and make your outfit pop. Examples of opposites are purple and yellow, blue and orange, red and green. The turquoise and pink is a variation of the red and green combination pink being light red and turquoise being a blue-green (its best to try to do variations for that particular combination since those colors are associated with Christmas and you'll look weird...unless its like Christmas time than go for it you'll look festive)}.

Why it doesn't work:

1. Horizontal stripes are bad. But idfc because this is a cute sweater and I feel like I don't look that fat in it so I don't really care that you aren't supposed to wear horizontal stripes if you're fat because they "make you look wider". Wear what the fuck you want. Just make sure you look adorable.

you haven't exactly asked for it...

...but i'm giving it to you anyway! like a piece of luggage as a Christmas gift. an outfit with me in shorts! (*DISCLAIMER I PROBABLY WOULDN'T ACTUALLY WEAR THIS OUTFIT OUT TO ANYTHING) though just because I wouldn't wear it doesn't mean its not cute...it just means....I hate wearing shorts. I hate wearing pants. I hate wearing anything that goes around my stomach that isn't stretchy comfy leggings. Anything else and I avoid it like the plague. I don't like how it digs into my stomach fat giving me attractive muffin. I don't like how I can never find my size at any of the stores except Walmart. I don't like the way they emphasis the largest part of me. I don't like that I'd have to wear a T-shirt or something with it (another thing you won't catch me wearing unless I'm going to go work out). It's not that I don't like t-shirts or jeans/shorts/any pants that aren't leggings...it's just that I don't like the way they look on ME. But Laura, you find yourself asking, hanging on my every word from this incredibly important blog, if you hate that stuff so much why do you own several pairs of shorts as well as over 8 pairs of jeans? Well, gentle viewers, there was a time, a time when I weighed under 150 lbs that I felt comfortable wearing jeans and shorts....that is where this outfit is coming from.

OUTFIT 3:

This outfit doesn't really have much color in it. As a general rule I try to combine a neutral, a print, and a bright color. Or some variation of all three. This however is mostly just neutrals, a black top, a grey leopard print cardigan and jean shorts. My shoes are black but in an attempt to throw some color into the mix I added a pink belt. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the belt, so I took pictures with and without, you can decided. I also had a bright green bracelet and a yellow/green ring. That's the extent of the outfit.

Where: The top is from H&M it was probably around $20-$30. The cardigan is from TJMaxx and was around the same. The shoes are from Payless, didn't cost more than $10. The shorts are from JCPenny and around $20 though I got them like...Freshmen year of high school so they're super old. The ring was a gift from my grandmom, it is from Boscovs. The necklace is from Etsy.com and was a Christmas gift. The bracelets were also a gift, from my friend Sam though I don't know where she got them or how much they were. The optional belt was from Walmart for I think $18.

Total: I duno. You add up the numbers.

Make-up: Since this oufit feels like it has a lack of color, atleast to me, I thought I'd try to introduce some with bright red lip stick. I kept my eye shadow simple so the lip/shadow combo wouldn't overwhelm my face.

Why it works:

1. The shirt pulls away from my stomach
2. The belt emphasizes the smallest part of my body
3. The shorts are stretchy jean material so they create less of the "muffin" effect
4. The cardigan covers my arm fat

Why it doesn't work:

1. I feel like the shirt is too short, if it were longer by even an inch it would help better cover my stomach.
2. Though the jean shorts don't give me much muffin they still give me some, I am hard pressed to find any pants/shorts that fit me because I have a large stomach/no ass/small thighs. The pant makers assume everyone with a large stomach has a large ass and large thighs. Not true.
3. The shirt flattens my chest. And when I say something is flattening my chest you know it's a problem because I have a very small chest. Chest flattening is a very bad. When your chest comes out over your stomach no matter how much you weigh, you always look thinner. If your stomach sticks out past your chest, no matter if your stomach really isn't even that big you end up looking like you have a potbelly. I recommend heavily padded bras to girls with this problem (aka myself).