OOTD: Summer Maxi Dress

Hello, body positive babes!  It's summertime here in the southern midwest and it has been hot out! I'm all about dresses and flowy, sleeveless pieces this year around, so when I found this dress on sale for $2.99 at a local thrift store, I snatched it up. My initial thought was that it must be homemade because of the style and the vintage-looking print, but it turns out that it's a Target dress. The brand is Liberty of London, which seems to be a brand that was discontinued from Target stores around 2010. The dress is 100% cotton and lined, so for the price I paid I think it was a great deal!

Because of my limited budget, I shop often at thrift stores. It can be a real struggle and I certainly don't walk out with something every time I shop. I know that many plus size people have trouble finding anything in their size, let alone something good! My tips for thrifting are to shop often (inventory changes daily), try everything on even if it doesn't look great on the rack, and don't be afraid to try things on that aren't your exact size. Look for things with stretch or things that can be altered. You don't need a tailor to alter clothes! A lot of simple alterations can be achieved with a thread and needle or even some well-placed safety pins. I encourage anyone who is looking for affordable clothing to go out there and thrift and see what you can make work for you!

I hope you all will bear with me as I get better at blogging. Although I've been posting outfit photos online for years, I just started doing it myself with a tripod and I am still working on figuring out the best time of day to take photos, posing, etc. I wasn't totally happy with this photoshoot but at the end of the day, it's not about perfection. Blogging is a chance for me to be creative and start a dialogue within the body positive community. That's what I am really here for!

How do you feel about thrifting? Do you do it, or do you stick with brands and stores that you know will carry your size? I'd love to hear from you all in the comments or on any of my social medias.

Outfit Details:

Dress – Thrifted (Liberty of London for Target, XL)

Shoes – Forever 21

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OOTD: Black Floral

As a fashionista on a budget, I do a lot of layering. You can mix and match things to create totally new looks by using some basic camis and mini skirts combined with statement items.

Layering is also good when you have a job where you work with children like I do, and need to cover things up a bit! I found this floral strappy tank in the Torrid clearance and since I can't resist anything so cute and floral, I bought it. Sadly It hung in my closet for a good six months or so before I wore it because it was just too low-cut in the front for normal wear. Finally, I got tired of looking at it hanging and decided to make it work.  

I went with a basic black skirt and black tank top, which I tucked in. I tried to create a the visual look of a sort of bodycon black sleeveless dress. Since the floral tank is a babydoll cut, I wanted something tight fitting beneath it. With the floral tank layered over, I think it resulted in a pretty cute outfit.

Lastly, I didn't wear a cardigan with this look. You absolutely could if you wanted to, but since it's been in the 90s here in the southern midwest I opted not to. I've become very comfortable showing my arms lately. It just doesn't make sense to hide them under fabric. I really couldn't care less if someone is offended by the fact that I am fat – it's not worth being uncomfortable for.

Outfit Details:

Skirt – Kohl's (size XL)

Floral Top – Torrid (size 1X)

Black Tank – Macy's (size 1X)

Shoes - Payless

OOTD: Sun and Shorts

I've been longing to put together a cute outfit with shorts. Can we just talk about the relationship plus size women have with shorts for a second?

Shorts are the perfect summer clothing item. Comfy, easy to move in, no dreaded chub rub. They are also the first thing many of us were taught to avoid as fat girls. Hide those thunder thighs under some capri length jeans or kakis, we were admonished. I remember even being scared to wear bike shorts that went down to the knee because I felt like they were too tight and revealed the cellulite on my thighs!

Truthfully, the idea of hiding body parts that society deems ugly is pretty ridiculous when you think about it. My thighs are big and no amount of fabric is going to change that. I'm okay with a little jiggle in my legs if it means I can soak up the sun and be comfortable.

I found these shorts on clearance at Forever21. They are super flowy and soft, high waisted with an elastic back. I think the dark rose and teal colors together are just beautiful. I paired them with a teal lace shirt layered over a pale green cami.

I hope that all of you will find the courage to wear whatever makes YOU comfortable and happy this summer!

Outfit Details:

Shorts - Forever 21+ (similar) // Size 1x

Top - Maurice's // Size 3x

Cami - Walmart // Size 18/20

Shoes - Keen