I have really been loving color lately for my wardrobe. Well, I actually always have loved color but I have intentionally sought after color in this New Year. Winter styles tend be of darker hues but in an effort to combat Winter blues, I’m filling my life up with vibrant shades. As you can see on my Instagram feed, I have been rocking things like mustard trousers and blush coats. So, that trend has definitely continued with this look that I got from LOFT.

LOFT has continued to be one of my favorite stores to shop since the launch of their plus sizes. I had the honor of hosting one of their pop-up parties to celebrate the launch back in April of last year. I loved that such a heritage brand was now making clothing in my size. They have so many classic and timeless pieces that have stayed in rotation. Plus, their jeans are phenomenal (don’t get me started on their denim). Today, however, I wanted to highlight how you can bring some fun style into your work wear.

I get a lot of questions on how to revamp office attire and my advice always is to invest in quality, versatile pieces. LOFT has such a wide variety of work wear from blazers to trousers, blouses and everything in between. The first key piece, in my opinion, is the pants. I’m wearing these skinny ankle pants in black because these are such an essential item. They go with literally everything so you can wear them over and over again with different looks. The fit is impeccable as is with most of LOFT’s items and very easy to wear.

Since I am on this color kick, I immediately gravitated towards this radiant fuchsia flare cuff sweater. While admittedly not being the most versatile top, it still brings a much-needed pop of color into your routine. While still being professional, it’s a fun way to do something a little different in the workplace.

Great news for you is that LOFT is having a sale! Pants, denim and dresses are only $39.50 so be sure to browse through their selection to snag some pieces of your own. Here are some of my favorites from each category.

Also, it’s important to note that LOFT supports Vital Voices in their HERlead initiative; a charitable fellowship for young women, meant to help train and empower the next generation of leaders.

Now, let’s take on these offices by storm!

Outfit details:

*This post is sponsored by LOFT. All opinions are my own.

So, I am long overdue for another plus size shapewear post. If I had to name one question that I am asked the most, it would have to be if I wear shapewear and if so, what kind. I did my first plus size shapewear post in 2016 where I listed my favorite brands as well as what bras I love. It contained a lot of information about some common shapewear myths that still holds true today. I’ve listed them below as a little refresher and things that you should keep in mind:

1. Size down for more “snatch-edness”. Ok, so I know that is not a word but you get the point. Everybody these days is trying to be snatched to the gawds right?! In the age of waist trainers and corsets, many think that if you get a smaller size, it will only make your waist look smaller. That could not be further from the truth. Waist trainers and shapewear are two completely different things. Sizing down in your shapewear will only cause bulging, visible lines and most of all discomfort! Y’all do know breathing is essential to life? Ok, so give your body a break and purchase the appropriate size for your weight.
2. Shapewear is uncomfortable. I used to be one of these people for sure. I would DREAD putting on my spanx. In fact it would leave me out of breath just trying to put those suckers on! But this goes back to the first point and realizing that I wasn’t buying the correct size for me nor was I wearing forgiving fabrics which contributed to the discomfort.
3. All shapewear is made equal. No, no and no! Did I say no? The saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true in this case. Just because various brands of shapewear look the same and claim to do the same things does not mean they all do. If the price tag is cheap, chances are its cheaply made and it will not last. I’m not talking about spending a lot of money here because trust me I am frugal myself. However, with something that you will get a lot of wear out of, a $60-$70 investment is worth it.

Since that last post, however, some of styles that I listed are no longer available. So, I knew that it was time to see what was out on the market now and try them out for myself. I went to my local department store and racked up about eight styles of plus size shapewear from various brands. I wore a tight fitting dress and got to trying on. After some grunts, pulls, disappointments but yes triumphs, here are a couple of my favorites!

Oh, and keep in mind that I only wear the shapewear with the shorts. I find that the briefs always show a panty line (even if they claim not to) and it’s just not as smooth around the hips.

Miraclesuit

Style 2909

Style 2919

I’ve worn Miraclesuit swimwear for years because I really love the support. I had no idea that they made shapewear as well. I’m not sure if this is new or if I’m late but the important thing is that I know now. These were one of the first styles that I tried on and I immediately said to myself, “yup, this is it”. It fit all of my criteria. It wasn’t super difficult to put on, it gave me firm tummy control and it was comfortable to wear. Check, check and check! Now, I really couldn’t decide which one of these I liked more so I listed them both. They are really a toss up and I ended up purchasing both lol. So I will leave that decision up to you.

Spanx

There’s a reason that many people use “shapewear” and “spanx” interchangeably. They are the OGs of the shapewear industry and really a mainstay for me. You cannot go wrong with spanx since they offer the best of both worlds with support and comfort. So it was no surprise to me that when I tried these on, I loved the fit.

Hope that this post was informative and that it was helpful!

Outfit details:

Top: Ralph Lauren | Skirt: Vince Camuto (Wearing size XL) | Belt: Eloquii (sold out) | Shoes: Kendall & Kylie (similar)

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

If you haven’t already figured this out, I really love yellow and mustard tones. I’ve worn them pretty much every season in various different ways. From skirts to blazers and now trousers, this beautiful hue can transcend a myriad of garments. With the Winter season upon us, I find that a lot of styles now are of darker tones. And while I do love the rich, deep tones that are currently trending, I love to just add a pop of color to brighten things up (literally in this case).

One of the advantages of Winter is that you can really take advantage of contrasting light and dark. In the Spring or Summer, I probably would have paired these mustard trousers with a white top and blazer, or color-blocked it with a teal blouse. However, I decided to really make the pants pop by putting it with a color that is on the opposite side of the color wheel. The black really enhances the mustard while providing understated yet essential style elements. To finish off the look, I could think of nothing better than a leopard print shoe because we all know leopard goes with everything. That is especially true, however, with mustard. It’s like a match made in heaven and really helps to merry the two color choices. And with that, my outfit was complete. Who says Winter fashion can’t be bold and bright?!

Outfit details:

Jacket: Nordstrom (similar) | Tank Top: Old Navy | Pants: Charlotte Russe | Shoes: Nine West

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

It’s January of 2019. We are in a New Year which means that it’s time bring some new life into your wardrobe! I get a lot of questions on how to build up your closet and key pieces to add but honestly, that is really difficult to answer. So many things factor into that including your style preferences, your everyday life (are you a teacher, a stay-at-home mom, a lawyer, etc.) and just your overall aesthetic. Styling is extremely personal and subjective and so, although my hope is to provide outfit inspiration through my blog, I know that everyone is unique in their wants and needs.

With that being said, I want to mention a service to you that I think you should try in this New Year. That service is Stitch Fix. This is especially for those that feel that they are just in a style rut and need some direction. Maybe you have been wearing the same things for years and you want to branch out and try new things. Maybe you’ve just had a baby and are having a hard time adjusting to your new body. Or maybe you are just curious as to what a stylist may choose for you. Whatever the case may be, you can try Stitch Fix virtually risk free.

You have seen me talk about and partner with Stitch Fix before so it’s no secret that I love the brand. I have continued to get fixes since the launch of their plus size offering in collaboration with and independent of the company. Some of my favorite pieces, especially denim, have come from my fixes and I love the flexibility of being able to schedule them when I want and request certain things. I also love to just be surprised sometimes and see what they come up with. In fact, both this top and these leggings came from my most recent fix. I think you can tell from me posting them that these were keepers! I’m not sure that I would have picked out this top on my own but I love the tie at the waist and the color is divine. I just so happen to have matching pumps that went with it perfectly. Match made in heaven!

And for those that may not have heard of Stitch Fix before, it is a personalized online styling service. You sign up by completing a Style Profile where they gather a great deal of information from you from your style preferences, to your typical budget for clothes, to your body shape and measurements. Once you complete the profile, you will be assigned a stylist that will send you your first “fix” with 5 items that they’ve chosen just for you. You keep what you want and send back what you don’t. It’s that simple. Try it today and get $25 off your first Fix!

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

*This post is sponsored by Stitch Fix. All opinions are my own