I have to admit sometimes I can be such a copycat. I think we as bloggers in general are sometimes. We see something we love and we want it. We like it, we think we can maybe rock it better, sometimes we go for the exact outfit. Whatever it’s life right!? I’ll never claim to be an expert but it’s my blog so I can pretend to be an expert today. Today is all about wrap skirts and how to pull them off and add the trend to your wardrobe. This is sort of my for my own inspiration because I love wrap skirts!

When I was younger I would try (TRY) to make my own clothes. My favorite thing to do was to make wrap skirts out of these big scarfs my grandmother had. They were huge and I’m not sure that they would be called scarfs at that point. I’d wrap it around, roll the top, or secure it with a pin and wear it justlike that. Thank god my grandmother let me express myself at a young age.  Mom too!

Source 1, 2, 3, 4

Anyway I opened my email and like every morning I got an email from WHOWHATWEAR . Well this morning it was wrap skirts. This is not a new concept, but clearly this time around it’s modern, it’s badass, and some of the these designs are innovative. I kept looking and thinking wow these are really costly skirts. 600, 400, for a skirt. I’m not downing anybody who would pay that amount for a skirt. I just know right now I’m broke haha, I love clothes and it would have to be one hell of a skirt along with one hell of a bank account to be in my closet.

Source – 1, 2, 3, 4

So I started searching. I found a lot of skirts for much cheaper and just as cute. All sizes too. One thing I realized is that I’ve been super hard on myself regarding fit and size of clothes. I’ve now realized that I can fit anything from a Large to 2XL. Thats a huge gap but it depends on how you want it to fit, and what material. So to my curvy girls I urge you to get out there with these trends and see if you can find something. I also noticed that someone took a long Maxi and tucked the front of it to the side of their hips giving the illusion of a wrap skirt. So that’s just an idea as well.

I did a few Inspo boards I guess you could say if I could pull this off. I’d wear it -_-.

I normally don’t post things like this, but you know what YOLO. I tuned in with some of my favorite bloggers and channeled my inner Joan Rivers minus the botox. We live tweeted the Met Gala while watching the Live feed Via Vogues Website. I was excited that this years theme was “Punk”. As the dates neared for this Vogue worked with HONY on this project to feature Punk Fashion in NY. So of course for some niave reason I thought some stylist would see this and get the memo…but nope. Nobody really gave a damn and the best quote of the evening was Grace Coddington saying  –

“I’d like to see some real punks…like street punks. But they’re probably not invited.”

I hollered…because she was fucking right. I love Grace and her sassy ass.  I mean could they have invited a sprinkle of punks? I mean something, even if they flew them in for London themselves? Because as someone with an amazing punk friend…I sat there thinking…What the hell is this? Now don’t get me wrong there were a lot of people who didn’t even understand the theme and hated everything off the break. I’m not that type of person. I understand punk for a certain degree having a friend who lives that lifestyle. He’s been nothing but open with me, and of course talking to him all the time I know what he’s about. So i knew that fashion in the punk lifestyle is not about glam, and being fancy. So I was very interested in seeing how all of these beautiful people translated that.  Also I hope someone at the MET sees this…Don’t ever let those two Hillary Rhoda and Billy host that red carpet again.

So when I logged on and saw that even Ms. Wintor didn’t give a damn…I knew she would set the tone. I know it’s Anna Wintor but I would have loved to see her even rock something close to edgy even if it was just for one night. She wore this though.

Okay so Anna mentioned that Punk was about “pink” so she had on pink…uh Anna…ma’am I respect you for all that you have done for the fashion industry but aside from this Chanel Dress being gorgeous you could have done something? I would have loved to see her in something darker, black, leather something.

Lets start with the “good” …I wanted to see more black and badassery last night. These women served up a little bit of that. These were my favorite black looks. Cara, Anne, and Alexa dresses were some of favorites.

Nina, Stacy, and Taylor brought it by stepping outside the box a little more. I love Stacy’s dress but would probably have changed the booties and had a little more fun with my hair and make up. I also like Nina’s Dress because I’m a sucker for these pants dress hybrid situations. Taylor looked like she was ready to break hearts and then write more songs about it.

So i’m not saying a thing about Miley’s hair…if I were a stylist I would have at least tried to do a really Chic Slick back with this look. Spikey hair is Punk but …i’m not sure if this is it.  Ms. Versace got my feathers ruffled when her last line was themed “punk” my friend and I kept thinking…”no” but for someone her age she is still so badass to me. She loves her body hugging dressed, and I love that she added some serious arm swag with studs and spikes.  I don’t know I just love Claire Danes Dress in general…but I would have loved to see her do more.

Now on to the daring.

I wasn’t feeling Sarah…I was totally there for the head piece though. Had she wore even a Bone straight hair style I think it would have suited her dress well but who am I? Katy Perry donned Dolce and Gabanna and I loved it. I was there for the crown and the Historical references of her dress. Not really “punk” but still amazing. Giovanna Battaglia wore Dolce as well. If anything I loved her for actually pulling it all together. According to a lot of people they hated it, but for some reason I just a full on editorial vibe from her. Not to mention I loved everything from this collection that D&G did…I was just excited to see people wearing it.

I thought for some reason there would be more shorter dresses instead of gowns.

Kate…killed it in Balmain. Madonna, well she is Madonna and I don’t know why anybody expected her to keep it simple and boring like most of the other guest, I personally liked her outfit. Karolina did her thing in this Mary Katrantzou dress…I liked the dressed more than I thought it was anything near “punk” but she wore it and I loved her shoes.

These three looks also were my favorites. Rita …well I love her anyway she is daring and I loves the suttle slits and exposure. Sienna…I actually loved that she just threw on the most badass moto jacket and kept is moving…..and Nicole….(bow down) i’m not worthy. A lot of people called her Hades from the Disney film Hercules…but you know what she pulls off that hair well. I loved her dress too. Her make up was flawless and had she been in magazine with this same look I think people would have veen drooling.

I don’t know I had a love hate relationship with Gwens outfit I mean her make up is flawless, and I always looked at her style growing up. It’s evolved so much. I still love the two piece dress …ah…well I guess I did like the look a lot, it was def fun.  Chanel looked stunning in black and white, and and Ms. Diaz in Stella McCartney looked amazing. None looked punk but still some of my favorites.

Kim…Girl. I swear I have sympathy for you. The media breaks down everything from what you ate, to your body while carrying child. I hate it, I think they have no right to go there, but I was soooooo thrown off when you came in with this Floral Bed Quilt on…and to top it off the gloves seem attached to the dress which actually grosses me out. I love the leg slit but I’m not impressed one bit by the pattern.

Kanye…why…you let her come out like this? I hvave questions!

Hmm Katie…I think you missed the memo.

In DC we love to “cut up” and be snarky…but I will save that for another time. I’ll just say that I wasn’t impressed with any of these dresses of extra small blazers. I really expected the Olsens to bring it since they are like the queens of changing it up. Psy…no idea why you’re there and no idea why you have that one button breaking a sweat to stay closed.   Nicki…your hair was so flawless on American Idol lately and then you go and throw this hair on…and a wierd dress. I’m not here for it.

Nope…..Nope………….and Nope…

Solange didn’t really try but she looks amazing… I mean flawless from the Fro to the shoes. I loved her dress but she really looks like she came out of a 60′s Magazine.

As the Red Carpet ended we all thought Where is Beyonce?” …well she should have stayed…I was NOT feeling this dress regardless of who it was made by. Givenchy set that girl up. I love her as an entertainer but this is a busy dress…too freaking busy for me. This was it, she had the steps all to herself and I thought…wow…keep it moving.

What did you think of the looks? Any favorites? Which one was your worst look??

_Elle

PhotoCredit Vogue and People

A few post ago I wrote about how I was still inspired by other bloggers. During a time where it seemed that every other blogger was going through P.M.S at the same damn time. I remember reading post where people felt like we all blogged the same thing, none of us really had our own style…blah blah. People getting their Cutoff Demin Shorts in a bunch because people are getting deals with companies. In a sense if people looked at the bigger picture that a lot of smaller businesses are thriving with the help of bloggers and even bigger businesses, but they need to let it go. At this point…we all should stop knocking others hustle and being catty.  Thing is some of those ranty people are the people they hate which is pretty damn ironic. They stay in their own cliques, they don’t socialize, and they pretty much dress the same as well. I’ll leave that there though.

At one point I thought the same way…but my feelings weren’t as deep. Lately I’ve read some comments on another blog that encourages women to submit their style. The commenters are vile, they are beyond nasty towards some of these brave women like Garner Style which made me livid. Those women they comment about are women that still inspire me as a plus size woman. Everyday they take trends and make them their own. They wear it because they want to, and they don’t care who they offend. One of my favorite articles lately was this one by GabiFresh who also have some amazing plus swimsuits coming out soon check it out here! How freaking gorgeous is she? I can’t wait to venture out and get one. These women ladies in a sense make up an amazing team…almost like my own Curvy Girl Varsity Team…in my head.

As a matter of fact even with my own body issues  Garner Style, GabiFresh,  Franceta and Vivy have shown me how to dress and be happy with what I got until I’m ready to change it…and my daily chats with Jenn who is pretty fucking good at  diverting that negative energy that I put on myself away from the conversations. I tell ya that’s my homie. I dedicate this post to the women who inspire me daily. What better way to show my love than rocking a Varisty Inspired jacket like Garner Style Did here. I found this cute jacket by accident in Burlington Coat Factory. I had no idea they had a plus juniors department. It was my lucky day when I found this jacket in my size. It’s by Southpole…I never thought I’d see the day but there aren’t a ton of logos on it only the S…which could mean anything. I’ve never been a huge fan of free advertising on my clothing. I also had to share this new Dorothy Perkins handbag that I brought. I really love it. this replaced an old canvas peace symbol purse that I had for ages.

Jacket – Southpole

Dress – Asos Curve

Purse- Dorothy Perkins

Shoes – GAP

I hate to sound like these women are the only women I look to when it comes to my own personal style. They aren’t but in terms on my body image they certainly help a sister out. Another blogger that I mentioned Franceta inspired me big time to wear a cropped top, and I also paired it with the same jacket. I went to a concert and it was super dark so I actually felt like this was the prefect time to wear this outfit with an high waist skirt with sheer detail at the bottom. Last year I remember there being a Big Fat Summer Challenge that was hosted by Jennifer who also encouraged Plus women to rock a crop top! So i figured why not. More than anything these bloggers have forced me to come out of my comfort zone and try new things.

Which one is your favorite version?

Be sure to check out my other Favorite Curvy Girl blogs

Aisha

Nicolette

Aimee

Shamoneke

Ana

Claire

Allison

Fele

Broccoli City is a cool brand that I’ve been following for sometime. They are all about bringing sustainable knowledge to the urban community about the environment and going green. Please go check them out and support a really amazing cause.

“Broccoli City Organic Lifestyle (BC) is a media platform that uses creativity to showcase a relatable look into the environment, sustainability, health, and social issues through culture, art, fashion and music — in an effort to improve, encourage and empower the urban community.

The subject of going green and living a healthy lifestyle is not foreign to the main- stream, but there is a growing need and interest in urban communities around the country. For the most part, urban communities are rarely exposed to the what a green lifestyle entails and how they, as individuals, living in these centers are a meaningful and viable part of the conversation, aside from the random “Go Green” or “Buy Green” message plastered at the grocery store. There is no content given or in-depth knowledge shared from a source that the community can trust. They need a source that walks like them, talks like them, and most importantly understands them because the persons sharing the information are “them”. Broccoli City has branded itself as one of the only true urban green companies spreading this message.”

This year Broccoli City hosted a Music Festival on Earth Day. I couldn’t wait to go and photograph DC’s festival style. I was so excited to see so many people with amazing style. Not for a second did I think I was going to see Coachella style the typical stuff. I wanted to see Urban style and that’s what I went to look for. Here are a few of my favorite outfits that I spotted. I think they represent Urban DC so well! DC isn’t know as a fashion capital but I think we are an under the radar when it comes to Urban Style. There is plenty of style oozing out of DC.  I noticed a lot of ripped jeans and  a hint of 90″s in these styles which is fun! I don’t normally pull off looks like I’ve found but I’ve definitely been inspired to have some fun with my jeans. I’m now on the search for white jeans and cool shirts. Tell me your favorite outfits! Would you wear any of this? I’ve posted these pictures of my Tumblr which you can find here there are a lot more there! I like taking street style shots.

Disclamer — I was a bit naive when I applied for a Media Pass to Broccoli City Festival. I would go on pinterest and tumblr and think…there aren’t enough women of color on there with street style. At least the kind of style I yearned to see. The type of style that I imagine myself in. Then I thought to myself was it right to only search for women of color?  After seeing this in on the internet I was hyped yet again to display more women of color. I don’t have intentions  to offend anybody, I just want more inspiration out there for others. As I started to upload these pictures I came across so many blogs that highlighted women of color in such a positive light. There they were wearing amazing clothes, fully clothed, big smiles and full of style. I was honored to add my additional two cents to the mix. You can check out more photos here.

Today one of my favorite bloggers Jay Miranda sounded off in a string of tweets about a Dove Ad that just released. I decided to listen…headphones at work guarantees a little bit o’ peace for a few mins. I listened…and I thought about how critical I was of myself and how I am of others. Growing up I was teased, I was told that I was “chubby” ….and that’s putting it mildly. I remember getting sucker punched by a bully because he thought I wouldn’t feel it because I was “fat”…needless to say I took my Trolls Lunch Pail upside his head. I don’t condone violence though.  Anyway…for most of teen years I listened to critics. I started to believe them…all the way until I reached 18 or so. I started to fill out, I lost a little weight thanks to my colleges 4th floor walk ups….4x’s a day. I remember dating a boy on campus that assured me that I was beautiful it made me uncomfortable…but he told me up until that kindness scared me away and I didn’t come back the next semester. Now that i think about it…i could be married to that Blue Eyes Angel.

This ad which talks about us being our worst critics asked a woman to describe herself to a sketch artist. How she saw herself. Then someone who saw her would describe that same person to that same artist. The pictures came out totally different. I started to think more…was I super confident about myself and how do people see me now. Well my mom who probably doesn’t count tells me I have beautiful eyes, and Jenn tells me I have skinny cute legs, my other friends tell me all the time that I’m too hard on myself about my weight. Which I think honestly is only fueled by my health issues. They all have nice things to say…and here I am just focused on losing some poundage around my midsection. At first something about the ad bothered me I wasn’t sure. Maybe I saw myself in these women who to me looked gorgeous.

As someone who was bullied growing up I find it really hard to find too many flaws in folks. I find the beauty in those those people deemed “ugly” or “unattractive”. I’m more of a ” what does your inside” look like type of person. I don’t pick my friends based on looks, color, or weight…they are all the bomb to me no matter what. As I approach 27 , I have ten more days I reflect on how much time I might have spent thinking that someone didn’t like me for my looks. While it might have been true I still have some time part of me that loves what they see in the mirror with bushy eyebrows, dark lips, and this weird bump thing by my right eye. We all have to, because if we don’t love ourselves and laugh off our flaws then who will? I’m not endorsing or working with Dove but I have the urge to start up conversation on the blog about this ad. Watch it and tell me what you think and how it makes you feel!

I’ve always been excited about Collaborations. Due to my size I can never fit into them…which reminds me…ASOS it would be great if you did some Collabs for us Curvy woman!? *hint hint* As I started looking at Bloggers who were curvy fitting into certain pieces I begin to think, maybe I was being too hard on myself. Could I really fit into certain pieces if I really went and tried them on? Well the answer was yes and I learned that over the weekend.  When I saw Duro Olowu  for Jc Penney I just had to have this floral skirt. Of course worrying about my size I didn’t want to go and shop online. With all the hooplah regarding the changes to Jc Penney I was hesitant to step in their store. Past experiences made me avoid that place.

I was surprised my local Jc Penney had a makeover, they installed more lights and I almost forgot where I was. It was clean and organized. By the way Jc Penney did not reach out to me. I’m being honest in my experience there this weekend. Anywho I found my skirt…the pickings for the line were getting slim since it’s been out for sometime. I found the skirt in an XL…but it was big, but perfect! At 30 bucks, and imagining it with a few other things in my closet I was sold! It’s perfect for work but I have good plans for it outside of work!

I love mixing prints!The elastic band on the skirt if perfect for those larger thank an XL. It also doesn’t that annoying thing where it gets lost and causes your skirt to roll in the back! It’s a great length as well for those on the conservative side.

Top| H&M

Skirt| Duro Olowu for JcPenny

Flats| Urban Outfitters

The first time I had Risotto I wasn’t impressed.  Yet I knew I would have better, again I would try it and I can tell you that I’ve  had lots of unimpressive risotto in my 26 years. The first time I had an amazing batch was at Florina In Dupont Circle. It was amazing, the rice was perfect, it was creamy and the star of the show lobster. Well ever since I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect recipe. I’m excited that I found one online finally that I could get with.  It’s perfect, and a great base for a lot of risottos. A lot of people shy away from Risotto’s there is a lot of stirring involved. This recipe calls for about 25 minutes of stirring. I didn’t tweak this recipe too much other than an extra amount of Garlic, Shallots and Thyme. I put in extra of all of that…why because it felt right. I’ve been reading a lot about pasting recipes. So I’m linking the Recipe HERE. I would suggest adding perfectly seared scallops on top. Eating this recipe plain is just as good in fact it’s the way I eat it all the time.

Like my old Pot?? My grandmothers, literally remember her cooking with this when I was as young as six. It’s been through a lot and I plan on putting a ton of miles on it. At this point the Risotto is done. Spinach is the last thing to add in, before topping it off with the Bacon! Bacon makes everything better right?

oh….I lied, cheese is the last thing to add. I forgot I added Asiago Cheese as well the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Voila! One thing I’ve learned photographing certain goods. They either look good of bad…I vote for good!

If you’re even inside on a rainy day or a night in, I suggest making this. It’s so freaking good, and the next day it taste great too. I’d actually suggest one last thing, if you can get that bacon crunchy, oh yum, get it because the crunch with the creamy texture of this is the best thing ever. Can you tell that I really love Risotto? I can’t wait to try a few more versions of it. and maybe even my own recipe so I don’t have to link anything.

Hope you had an amazing weekend!

_Elle

Sometimes you just want to take a cool picture. I did that today, after work. I challenged myself to step outside the box and have some fun. It only took me 3 months to tackle this resolution I set for myself in January. I’ve always avoided this simply because I can’t control the situation. When I’m blogging about food, I have so much control, and I don’t accidentally step on my moms bare toes!  It took me about 60 tries to get something fun, and “cute” in my eyes…just don’t call me cute and we won’t have any issues.

I love these,because I’m trying to master posing without smiling -_- … You know as I went through these photos I noticed that I cross my legs A LOT, but you know thatt I love my damn legs and you can’t tell me shit else.  I just refused to post more that these few pictures.  Why do bloggers put up a ton of pics …do we really need to put up like 10+ pictures of the same outfit? Of you walking towards a wall? Okay…I’m going to be nice ….cause  I’m judging.

Moral of this post…try something that you’ve been intimidated about. You’ll feel super liberated once it’s done and maybe liberated enough to do some other things you’ve been afraid of this year. It’s not so bad, and you were probably freaking out for no good damn reason! Vittles my cat is currently attacking his tail as I type this so I’m going to go before his old ass hurts himself.

Outfit Details

Bunny Ears | Asos (OLD)

Jacket | Target (OLD)

Tank | H&M Men

Skirt | Forever21 Plus (Sorta Old)

Shoes | Steve Madden (Last Summer)

Bracelets that you can’t see Filthy Magic and Michael Kors

Have a good Holiday and Weekend!!!

What do you have planned?

Eggs are a touchy subject in my house….well in my life in general. I love eggs, but I’m extremely picky about how they are made. I try to keep it organic, because the yolks are darker, and to me they taste better. I thought about doing an eggs post on here, by request. Let me know if you’re egg challenged and want how to “egg” post.

I have been experimenting with eggs for the past two years. I love poached eggs, and I’ve mastered that, but everyday I see new scrambled egg videos on Youtube.  I didn’t have to look far for this one, and the secret to creamy, fluffy eggs is simple. Low heat, and seasoning. I found that out from watching Ina. She in my opinion has the best egg recipe.   Growing up I always loved drowning kraft singles in my eggs. Then I googled it and it was bad…it was horrible. I found out what was in there, and I said no way.

The roasted asparagus is a great compliment to these eggs as well. I’d also consider some roasted tomatoes on the side.

As I mentioned before low heat and seasoning are the secret to these eggs. Simple kosher salt,  fresh black pepper, and a nice dose of Heavy Cream make these edible even without cheese. Uh…but there is still cheese in these. Good freshly grated Parmesan and Asiago.

Yum!

Clearly for picture purposes I’m being good with the portions. The truth it I ate double this because it was delicious. I would suggest this if you love fluffy eggs, a little on the medium side. to me it’s the best way.

Are you tired of me ranting on about Blood Oranges??

Well this is the last installment of my Blood Orange Season post.

I thought about trying to do an Asian Inspired Orange chicken recipe. I thought it would be fun, but alas…it called for Potato Starch…and I just didn’t have time for that search. So i searched around for something easier, something some what healthy.  Food 52 is becoming my favorite place for easy dinner ideas. I had a moment this week where I was politely told that I consume too much fried foods. I took it with grace because it was true…i do need to chill, but what? Give up my wings? No way. These wings are baked, while Chicken skin isn’t healthy…it’s called baby steps people. It’s not deep fried right!?  This sauce or glaze is super tangy and still sweet, and with a hint of crushed red pepper it gives it a kick.

The recipe is simple. Starting out with chicken wings, salt and pepper them after you have patted them dry. No additional oil is needed because roasting them on high heat will make the skin blister. Giving it that “hot wing” effect.

You’re supposed to turn them every 15 mins that they are in…Now…I actually appreciate my eyebrows enough not to singe them with the heat….and I forgot. I turned them the last 10 mins in, and it came out fine.

If your a spice dare devil sprinkle a little more red pepper on top before serving.

These got a stamp of approval from my mom and uncle.

I love them as well and it def feeds my Blood Orange Love, and Chicken Wing Fix.

_Elle