As I left my apartment to shoot this look I thought to myself, “is this pink fur too over the top?” It was very bright and I questioned if I was going just an teeny tiny bit over board. Yes, even the most experimental of fashion goddesses sometimes question how they’ve put things together.
As I rounded the corner to where I intended to shoot, an old Italian woman, dressed impeccably, stopped me. She grabbed my shoulder and whispered softly in my ear, “You. This….This is how a woman should dress. She should be fearless.” She smiled and went on her way.
As I set my camera up, I thought about her words. Fearlessness. It’s something that we all should embrace more. If we could live each day as if nothing scared us, as if nothing made us doubt ourselves, and as if nothing stood in our way, how would our lives be different?
I don’t have the magic answer to that deep question, but I do have a photo of the moment I decided to try just a little bit hard to face life with less fear. Well, I have several.
To kick of the New Year, I wanted to do something, well, new. So I decided I will spend January 2018 trying out plus size brands I’m not super familiar with. I think often times get into the habit of relying on our old favorites and I personally want to make sure I am always pushing myself to try new things.
Trying Rue 21 For The First Time
Today’s look comes from Rue 21. Please forgive the horrid photo quality. I took these images in 15 degree weather with wind blowing down on me- making it feel like a frigid 5 degrees. So I wasn’t really focused on the perfect image. i was focused on survival. I’m alive mostly because this pink faux fur bomber was way warmer than expected- a steal at only $20. I threw this fluffy cotton candy coat over a black lace up cropped long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of front seamed stirrup Jeggings also from Rue 21. I then threw on my trusty unicorn shoes, because I needed their sparkly super powers to make it through the blustery ice box that is NYC today.
My Final Review
I did a full haul video below that showcases each items from my order, shows how it fits and whether or not it met my expectations,
Overall I find Rue 21 to be a great affordable plus size option, but could perhaps benefit from better auditing of the non-store brand selections they offer. This would help increase the sizing consistency in-store and make online ordering easier. For example, the only items that weren’t up to standard were from clothing Rue 21 carried, but were not responsible for producing.
Monday’s look screamed “SUMMMMMER” loud an clear. I kept it simple pairing a dress I scored for $15 off Groupon with some vintage jewelry I inherited from my mother. I added a super sassy pop of color with a pair of teal sandals from Target.
Tuesday I notched the weird factor up to an extreme and rocked this anime inspired look. I paired a t-shirt from my last visit to Disney World with acid jean shorts worn over purple disco pants (both from Amazon). I topped off the look with an Old Navy Sweat shirt, Nike Sky Hi Dunks and some earring from Sparkle City Jewelry made of actual sprinkles!!
Wednesday I kept it oh so classy while also keeping oh so fun. I paired a bright sexy secretary blouse from Monif C with a bold splatter painted skirt from Miss Guided. I accented the look with Crocs ( yes, Crocs!), a light up ring from Target, and my adorable pooch- Data.
Thursday I brought some juicy thighs and some tribal realness. I paired an adorable romper from Rue 21 with a vintage blazer from Calvin Klein. I accented my waist with a fun belt from Lane Bryant and styled the look with a top bun, some of my personal earrings, and that light up ring (again).
Friday is about comfort in the house of color and glitter. I let me favorite theme tshirt (from Woot) be the star of the show. I styled the look with a big sassy scarf bow. Because if I don’t wear at least on head bow a week, I get cranky.
Saturday I continued my tradition of rocking my finest swimwear. I strutter my stuff in a Forever 21 Fatkini with a scarf-turned sarong- that I purchased from Amazon. I styled the look with some well worn Tevas ( God, they are so comfy), vintage sunglasses, and again that little pink, light up ring from Target.
Today’s outfit was a little bit of love for my new home state of Texas. I giggled hysterically at this Skinny Limits food truck. My life struggle as a mantra on a mobile machine of food. I’m wearing a chambray dress from old navy over Lola Getts leggings. I top the Look off with a Goorin Brothers Hat, a sassy obi belt, an Hermes scarf, vintage earrings and my favorite cowboy boots that I picked up in Brasil. Lets not forget the amaze balls Texas straw which I snagged from Five Below, the one store that I really feels understands all my kitsch needs.
And that’s the week in review. That’s it. There’s no more. I swear. Stop reading. The End.
On some of these links I earn affiliate commissions. 
Today’s look comes from Rue 21. Please forgive the horrid photo quality. I took these images in 15 degree weather with wind blowing down on me- making it feel like a frigid 5 degrees. So I wasn’t really focused on the perfect image. i was focused on survival. I’m alive mostly because this
