11 Summer Plus Size Maxi Trends To Rock

11 Summer Plus Size Maxi Trends To Rock

So you’ve heard how some girls can go boy crazy? Well, in preparing for my cruise I went maxi crazy. I’ll level with you.  I love a reason to shop… and my little ocean trek seemed the perfect reason to update my education on long beach friendly frocks.I scoured page upon page of flowing fashion and in doing so I noticed some major commonalities. Since sharing is caring, I’m spilling all the things I learned about this season’s sassiest maxi dress trends. It’s time to take fashion… TO THE MAX.

Kimono Realness

This plus size maxi style is perfect for the lady who wants a more modest, but still sizzling look. The kimono sleeves add a fresh take to the maxi, keeping your look fresh and far from dowdy. This Eloquii Kimono Sleeve Maxi is a great example, made of soft jersey and available in multiple colors.

Bright + Bare Shouldered

Bare shoulders and bold colors are continuing into the summer season. Choose a sassy print to create an even bigger statement, like this Michael Kors variation.  Off the shoulder flounces add coverage for those uncomfortable baring their arms, while still allowing your shoulders to get their tan on. This mellow yellow treat is available at Macy’s.

Whimsical Pastels

Pastels can often be perceived as overly cutesy, but this season I am seeing all sorts of numbers that feel  like Liza Frank grew up and started designing for adults.  These whimsical styles are perfect for that sassy lady that’s not quite ready to give up her girly pastels, but also wants to feel grown up.  This Rachel Roy dress at Nordstrom, was fashion love at first sight.

Boho Babe

It wouldn’t be summer with a little bohemian print in the mix. Look for all-over, colorful geometric prints that give the piece an earthy tribal feel. Tassel details and ties can add an extra punch while keeping the piece decidedly on trend. This plus size maxi from Target is every bohemian girls dream dress.

Scandinavian Floral

 

This summer’s florals remind me of when I lived in Scandinavia. The same blossoms that detail these dresses would decorate towels, linens and even furniture! I love the earthy traditional feeling these styles evoke. Paired with a breezy fit, these dress scream multi-cultural vacation chill. This example comes from JCPenney.

Comfy Crochet

Simple dresses are getting a handicraft touch with the incorporation of crotchet. The crochet touches elevate the dress by adding pattern and  dimension to a basic silhouette. I love the simple yet casual elegance of this Avenue plus size maxi dress. The dress comes in three colors and I simply adore the peach shade.

Political Punch

Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, others where their political calls to action on their dress. This season brands have combined pop art designs with political calls to action. It’s a new way to make a fashion statement. I simply adore this plus size maxi from Modcloth for its ability to be as earth minded as it is tropically relevant.

Ruffled + Relaxed

Get in touch with you girly side by adding a little ruffle to your maxi. Front ruffles add a breezy feel to the bust while the maxi style clings every so slightly to your hips. This style is especially great for pear shapes. Made of a soft jersey fabric and and priced at under $20, this Forever21 maxi dress is too good a steal to pass up.

To Tie Dye For

Tie Dye has come back with a vengeance this season. The typical blue variations can be seen popping up left and right. However, to truly rock this trend, look for an unusual neck line and a unique color combination. This will make sure the dress feels decidedly now, rather than just another a 70s style rehash. I like this bold maxi dress from BooHoo.

Striped Surprise

Stripes have been everywhere this season and even I have fallen victim to their rebellious charms. After years of being told, ” no, no that’s not for you,” it seems like the plus community has raised a giant middle finger to the expected norms and begun creating amazing striped pieces. This stunning ASOS patchwork  striped maxi dress takes the trend one step further by piecing rosy stripes into a truly eye catching piece.

Sea Glass Goddess

Lastly, there seems to be an infusion of washed out jewel tones. To me these dresses are like little reflections of water worn glass- stunning variations of their bright original colors. Washed out hues tend to scare most people because we don’t see them as often. But fear not!  These colors have the magical ability to perfectly highlight tan skin. I like this example from Torrid; The simple neckline and accentuated waist line add structure and elegance to this beach glass beauty.

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Glitter’s Summer Fashion Essentials

Glitter’s Summer Fashion Essentials

Ah, the summer solstice is upon us again…a time to celebrate the joy, warmth, and laughter of summer. It can be a time of purification (schedule that colonic!), renewal (Netflix subscription!), and healing of the self and soul (or as I call it, a three day weekend binge drinking in Cabo). And in the Glamorous World of Glitter, that means it’s also time to renew my wardrobe for SUMMER VACATION! In order to kick off what is sure to be my most kick ass summer ever, I’ve compiled Glitter’s Summer Essentials Guide. Whether your excursions are for work or for play there will be no sacrificing of style (or humans for that matter) when you stick with these six fundamental pieces.

Wide Brimmed Hat

Plus Size Fashion Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas Wide Brim Hat
What is more glamorous than lounging pool side with a wide brimmed hat protecting that delicate porcelain skin? (Or, in my case, trying to hide the smeared mascara from channeling my inner Ke$ha the night before.) These hats offer great sun protection while looking chic and sophisticated. So go ahead and brush your teeth with a bottle of Jack, a wide brimmed hat is sure to hide your previous evening’s indiscretions. Five below, has a ton of these cuties, at $5 a pop, you can score  few without feeling guilty.

Tribal Print Romper

Plus Size Fashion Blog Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas Tribal RomperPlain and simple, rompers are THE laziest way to look fancy. And the tribal print is so popular right now because it creates the illusion of being tall and slim. Not to mention they are so comfortable and require literally no effort to wear. Fancy, tall, slim and comfortable?? Sign me the hell up. I’ve pretty much fallen head over heels with Rue 21’s rompers this season, 2 for $25? I’ll take them all!

Colorful Sarong

Plus Size Fashion Blog Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas SarongFirst of all, can anyone say the word “sarong” without breaking into Sisqo’s 1999 Summer Anthem “Thong Song?” It’s a challenge to even type “sarong” without singing in my head “Sa-rong, sa-rong, sa-rong.” Sarongs are extremely versatile; for about $9.99 on Amazon (link here) you’re looking at something that can be used as a skirt, shirt, scarf, belt, and bathing suit cover-up. Your dress will be so scandalous and ya know the other brothers couldn’t handle it. Curses…there’s that Sisqo again!

Floral Shorts

Plus Size Fashion Blog Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas Floral Shorts

For so long I was afraid to wear patterns on the lower half of my body because it makes ze butt look big. Well newsflash people: my butt is big and I’m proud! In fact, I’m so proud I have decided to dub this “the summer of the bootay.” Floral shorts can take a simple t-shirt and class it up. T-shirt with khaki shorts gives the impression that you’re a young food delivery kid. But a t-shirt and floral shorts and suddenly you are Ms. Fancy Pants strutting her stuff down Rodeo Drive. Live the dream, free the bootay.

Retro Style Sunglasses

Plus Size Fashion Blog Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas Vintage SunglassesRetro Style Sunglasses instantly adds something different to your look. It’s a finishing piece to any outfit, really. Plain and simple: they are cool. I love them. I own several. You should, too. **drops mic**

Chambray Shirt

Plus Size Fashion Blog Summer Essentials Plus Size Outfit Ideas Chambray Shirt

Is there anything hotter than Jay Leno’s denim on denim look? When that handsome silver fox would do his “man on the street” bits for the Tonight Show I must say that this girl really stood up and paid attention. We can’t all be as visually stunning as Jay Leno, but we can invest in a great Chambray Shirt. White shirts get so dirty so easily (here’s looking at you, last night’s queso). A good chambray shirt will hide dirt, be visually interesting and won’t wrinkle as much. And for you jet setters, they travel really well. This is truly a great staple for your wardrobe. (Also…call me Jay Leno. I’m available.)

There you have it; six essentials for any summer wardrobe. Here’s to summer and its long days and short nights! Let’s truly make Summer 2015 The Summer of the Bootay (bootay rockin everywhere)!

Every Woman Deserves a Photoshoot

Every Woman Deserves a Photoshoot

plus size bikiniI have a new theory. If a woman needs to love their body or feel better about themselves, they should do a photo shoot. I am not talking about a tripod in your bedroom or an awkward selfies with outfit changes in the bathroom mirror. I am referring to letting someone else take the reigns and giving up a bit of control. There is something about forcing yourself to let go, putting your image in someone else’s hands and getting comfortable being you in front of a camera that is uber de duper liberating. It forces you to stop thinking about working those angles and allows you the rare opportunity to see yourself through the eyes of someone else. I think it’s a genuine recipe for all kinds of self love and Facebook profile picture updates. plus size swimwear fatkini bikiniThis weekend I had the awesome pleasure of hanging out with my rad friend, Allyson and her adorable nuclear family. I mean look at that little sassafras in the photo. ADORABLE. Look how she works that inflatable dolphin like it’s her job. Anyways, these super amazing friends [read saints] agreed to put up with my insane ideas and help me snap some sassy shots for a little swimsuit company’s competition. Because, Bermuda. Because, vacation. Because, I have sun, beach, and tropical cocktail needs.

plus size swimwear fatkini summerI should mention every single one of the outfits I post daily on instagram, I take myself with my iphone on a tripod. I know my angles, and I must admit look uniformly (damn) good. I am a master at working the hell out of that $15 amazon budget photography investment.  However, most of these shots are not me hanging out in real life. Sure some of my quirk comes through (there’s a little too much sass in this ole body o’ mine to shut it out), but at the end of the day, it’s the manufactured version of me. The me I want you to see.

plus size swimwear 2I love these photos because they show a side of me I rarely see in pictures. I still look rad… I would even venture to say better then I do in my ooh la la, white backgroundy, artsy selfies. They show a quiet confidence, versus a loud in your face “I love who I am for all the internet to see” version of me. I love how they capture both my insatiable curiosity and my uncontrollable silliness. I didn’t manipulate my body into just the perfect pose and she captured beautiful ways I move and exist on film ( err photo card?) for the first time. As a result, I now see myself a bit differently. And, that’s a good thing.

I think all women to deserve to find a special beauty in who they are. Maybe allowing someone else to take the reigns of how we see ourselves is another step in loving ourselves just lil bit more.

(Both bikinis are from swimsuitesforall.com. They didn’t give me anything for this post, I just have a excellent trigger finger when it comes to cute swimwear.)

The Body Positive Swim Suit Guide

The Body Positive Swim Suit Guide

body positive swimsuits plus sizeOver the last few weeks I have seen a lot of bloggers, magazines and gossip sites drop their 2015 “best swimsuits for you body type” guides. Of course I started consuming these like a rabid beast who hasn’t eaten in months. Duh, because I too wanted to write one of these “so you want to look like a sexy as shut-yo-mouth in a swimsuit” posts. I’m soooo trendy.

But the more I read, the more livid I got. All I got from reading these posts was a huge dose of “your body sucks, here’s how to make it less sucky.” Nearly every post focused on aspiring to some sort of ideal beauty standard that a lonely caveman came up with to sell rocks many moons ago. None of them celebrated the differences in our bodies. None of them allowed me to be educated enough to make my own choices on what I accented + hid. None of them were particularly inspiring. Sigh.

So I fixed it. Well I tried to. I spent probably about 10 hours researching and reading all of this bullshit. I boiled down all the oppressive body talk, pulled out those little nuggets of truth, rewrote it to be factual instead of loaded with “opinions” and categorized it. I The result is what I like to call the #bodypositive swimsuit guide.

Pick the body part, and select whether you want to diminish or accentuate. YOU [not some internet fashion a-hole] are in full control. No glossy magazine is standing by to tell you to hide your gorgeous grandiose gluteus maximus, or to cover up your curvacious cantelopes. You just do you girl. Because doing you, that’s where the real sexy is at.

Glitterandlazers_body_Positive_Swimsuit_Guide

Edit: A few feel I am advocating for obesity with this guide. This is a size neutral guide. In reading posts, women with toned and athletic bodies (ie the most fit) were still shamed into feeling their body wasn’t ideal. So were petite women, women with wide shoulders, women with chests, and butts. Basically all women. It’s a shame that because I am plus size and open to showing my body with out shame, that some discredit the value of my ideas and thoughts.

I do believe women should be happy whatever size they are, but have a responsibility to continually improve themselves. That improvement includes optimizing the mind, body and heart. Some people’s challenges are more visible than others. I don’t advocate any “state” because I understand that we are all progressing to our own definition of ideal. I don’t have the right or desire to try and control or comment on what any other person’s goal of perfect is. I am busy enough getting my own shit together. If you want to know what I am striving to improve, read some other posts. Peace.