Monday, February 28, 2011

Inspire Me Friday - Shopping Shenanigans!

A few things before we start:

A) Sorry for the late post, this particular segment is a little more time-consuming to put together.
B) I am not and have never been compensated for a SINGLE opinion or review on this blog. If it ever happens, I will absolutely disclose that. Know though, that regardless, my honesty shall never be compromised (that being said, I'd love to review items from ANY of the stores mentioned in my blog! email me at frugalistafatshionista[at]yahoo[dot]com)

This segment will be dedicated to reviews of places to get your fatshion! I'll be looking at online stores, boutiques, independent labels...but no matter what, it'll be places that I have personal experience with. People are always asking me where to buy certain things online, how easy it is to actually purchase from a particular retailer, whether lines tend to run true-to-size, so this will be my platform to get all that information out there, one retailer at a time.


This month, I'll be talking about one of my favorite places to shop, and in fact a staple in my wardrobe since I was in high school, Old Navy.

Some of the looks I've rocked with Old Navy apparel:

Old Navy Tunic

Old Navy Blouse

Old Navy Trouser Jeans and Black Cardi-Coat

Old Navy Shorts
What To Buy Here: I buy EVERYTHING here! Jeans, blouses, t-shirts, shoes, you name it! I've never bought undergarments here, so I can't comment on that, but I buy socks here, workout apparel, swimwear...ALL of my flip-flops and most of my ballet flats (which together make up about 80% of my shoe collection)...I'm particularly fond of their dresses and jeans. Up until about a year ago, the vast majority of my wardrobe WAS Old Navy, so safe to say, I am a fan.

Website: The website is easy to navigate...everything is very well organized by genre and size, and even when you click on an item, it lets you know right away whether or not it is available in every size and color shown. The "add to bag" feature also acts as a wishlist, because whatever you choose not to buy right away stays "in the bag" indefinitely until that particular item in that size runs out of stock. The clothes are usually shown on relatively size appropriately mannequins, so you can tell it's meant for bigger women, but because there are no models, you can't really tell how a garment will fall on curves (which is about the same as any site WITH models, considering they're all teeny)...Each item has reviews and ratings listed underneath to help you decide whether or not an item is for you, or whether you should size up or down, etc.

Prices: Their prices are not at all bad considering the quality of the clothes (which some people complain about, but you're getting what you pay for, plus I still have shirts that are 5-6 years old that have gotten and continue to get plenty of use with no problem)...Old Navy tends to have sales like, every other day, so that doesn't hurt the bottom line, either. You can expect to pay $10-$20 for a top, unless it's a promotional item, like their Independence Day shirts, which tend to be cheaper...and $20-$40 for bottoms. 

Sizing: The sizing tends to be iffy...I'm used to the fluctuations, but that seems to be everyone's biggest pet peeve with Old Navy. I find that if you make sure to go over the reviews, they can be very helpful to determine whether you should order true to size, etc. As with any online shopping, know your measurements and compare them to the size chart before ordering, to make sure the items are a right fit for you.


Delivery: Old Navy is usually pretty quick...I can count on my stuff reaching me in about a week consistently when I select the free shipping, which is offered any time you spend $50 or more. They also give tracking numbers so you can see exactly when your items should be arriving.


Returns: Returns are FREE! Which is awesome, except that the reason they are free is because you can't make plus-size returns in store. That would make life WAY easier, but then again, they don't have the plus-sized line for sale in the stores either, so you couldn't really exchange anything...It would still be great in the cases where you just want your money back, but alas, as of right now it just is not happening, but the returns process is relatively painless and free, as I mentioned, so shop and return at your leisure!


Quality: The quality of some Old Navy clothes is...questionable. It used to be pretty good considering what you were paying for it, but in the past couple of years, I find myself examining every inch of fabric from each of my purchases before committing them to my closet, because the fabric of most items is thinner and might have random holes or piling. In these cases, you can return the items and get replacements, and usually the problem will be solved. Obviously this is another problem that would be solved by having the plus-sized line in-store, so you could inspect your clothes BEFORE buying them, but we're still holding out for that privilege...I say again, if reviews on an item you're coveting are available, check them out to see if there seems to be a recurring problem...you might want to skip that item altogether.


So, there's my review! I hope this helps anyone out there that is newer to fatshion or online shopping, and if you have any questions regarding Old Navy, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer them or to find the answer for you.

If you have a fatshion store/boutique you'd like me to review, or if you would like to be a Featured Fashionista, please contact me at frugalistafatshionista[at]yahoo[dot]com

Related note: I am willing to do product reviews. Just send me an email at frugalistafatshionista @ yahoo.com. My reviews are always 100% honest, & I will only accept items that are relevant to my blog.

Jessica London - 40% Off!

Friday, February 18, 2011

ASOS/ASOS Curve - Final Winter Clearance!

Inspire Me Friday - Style Icon!

This month, I wanted to talk about someone whose style always puts a grin on my face...Ms. Jeannie Mai!



I am OBSESSED with her show, How Do I Look? and I love watching not just for the makeovers, but to see what super cute outfits Jeannie wears!

I love how she always takes risks with her clothes, and while sometimes her style might be a bit "much" for some, she has the confidence and bubbly nature to pull it off with a bang!


 Plus, she pretty much has the AWESOMEST hair ever...JEALOUS!!!


Add to all that her sense of humor and her humanitarian efforts, and you have one hell of a Style Icon! Love ya, Jeannie!!!

Jessica London - 40% Off!

Old Navy - Get More, Save More!

Torrid - 55-85% Off Clearance!

Avenue - Extra 50% Off Clearance!

an update...

Sorry I haven't been posting daily recently, guys...There's some major changes happening at home, including my home office being completely UNUSABLE right now, so I have access to a computer/the internet only when I'm at work...which is also why I haven't been posting OOTDs...my work computer lacks the capability to read the memory cards of my camera. So I hope you'll stick around, and for the time being I'm going to do my best to post as often as possible.

Thanks for your continued support! :)

-Desiree
The Frugalista Fatshionista

Friday, February 11, 2011

Inspire Me Friday - Trend Alert!

Good afternoon! It's Inspire Me Friday, which means it's time for Trend Alert!

This week, I want to talk about a trend that I am LOVING...stripes!

I've been known to rock the stripes every now and again...



And if you're a bigger girl who's not quite sure if you can rock horizontal stripes, this article might surprise you! :)

Here are some of my favorite striped styles this spring! As always, click the photo to go to it's source! Happy shopping, Fashionistas!!!
Faith 21

Old Navy

Torrid
Faith 21


Avenue - Mystery Savings Up To 30% Off!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

28 for 28 - 8/28


The Usual Suspects:

* Mac
* Peter Pan collar dress
* Purple flats


It's a head-to-toe UK day!

It's under 80 degrees out today, which means a coat was needed. I'm from Miami, people...60 degrees is like a state of emergency!

I LOVE the peter pan collar dress from ASOS! That is all. :)

Jessica London - 40% Off 2 Items!

28 for 28 - 7/28


The Usual Suspects:

* Green striped blouse
* Pencil skirt
* Wedges

The Accomplice:

*Sparrow necklace, Torrid, $12
Simple work outfit. That's about it.

I think I might be slightly obsessed with bird accessories.

Evans - Up To 30% Off!

28 for 28 - 6/28


The Usual Suspects:

* Cream blouse
* Tutu Skirt
* Studded Flats

The Accomplice:

* Gold Owl Locket

This skirt is HUGE. I was pulling it up all day, and I ordered my regular size, to suffice to say that if you're thinking of ordering it, you should probably size down.

Also, I heard a lot about these flats, and how the elastic in the back is really tight and annoying. I thought that was an exaggeration until about 2 hours of wear, when I realized I wanted to yank them off and throw them somewhere. So yeah. These are going to need to be cut or something.

Aesthetically, at least, I like my little ballerina outfit though. LOL

Dorothy Perkins - 20% Off!

28 for 28 - 5/28



The Usual Suspects:

* Black Polo
* Yellow Shorts
* Lace Oxfords

The Accomplices:

* Lace tights, Torrid, $8
* My pug, Pig, priceless LOL

Comfy weekend outfit. I've realized I really like yellow LOL And it used to be one of my least favorite colors.

Unfortunately, the tights ripped almost immediately. As in, I opened the package, put them on, and they ripped. They are officially crotchless tights LMAO I'll keep them because the tear isn't too obvious under clothes, and crotchless tights can be useful ROFL but be warned!

and just cuz I had to! LOL

Friday, February 4, 2011

28 for 28 - 4/28


Hubs is asleep, so I'll have to make due...




The Usual Suspects:

* Denim Jacket
* White Polka-Dot Dress
* Burgundy Heels

The Accomplice:

* Red belt (for National Wear Red Day!), Evans, £5

Very comfy dress, I felt super cute in it, and I got more compliments today than I have on any other outfit I've posted yet! LOL

The dress is fully lined, NOT as long as it looks on me (it's actually just under my knee, the photos don't show that very well) and it cost me only $17. WIN.

Gotta throw some make-up on and wake up hubs lol We're going out tonight! :)

Inspire Me Friday - Featured Fashionista!

It's time for the second installment of Featured Fashionista!!!

Fashionistas come in all shapes and sizes, so I thought it would be fun to ask the same few questions to several different fashionistas and showcase their personal style. This month's Featured Fashionista is Marisa, who is originally from Miami, but is currently living in Pompano Beach. 

Without further ado...

1) Your name, age and current city
*Marisa
*28
*Pompano Beach, FL

2) Describe your personal style
 My favorite colors to wear are black, red and purple. And jersey dresses and layering items.  I'm big-chested so I like to show my better assets but not serve on a dish. I love a silhouette that contours my body and v neck blouses or lacy blouses. I like necklaces that are long and i like chandelier earrings and hoops. I like cute rings and watches. And love my boots and high heels.
3) Describe the style in your city (obviously this is a generalization) and how you feel about it. Do you dress in a way that says "my city"? Do you like or dislike how people in your city dress? explain. 
 The style in my city is laidback, jeans and shirts i live in an community with a lot of marinas, boaters and fisherman. I believe i dress in a way that says where I'm from. Since I'm originally from Miami. But the fashion of Miami has spread through all of Florida.  I think woman should dress to occasion but always go out looking presentably and feeling good. Not going shopping in pajamas or lil wee short shorts. Not appropriate. But I also think going to the gym with full face of makeup is ridiculous. I like wearing makeup but that's natural and don need to shellac it on. I think in my opinion, S. Florida is very shallow and female dress to attract the millionaires. I like to feel sexy and confident but classy in what I'm wearing but love to be relaxed too. 

4) What are your tips for shopping on a budget? Or what do you do to maintain your style while on a budget?
My tips for shopping on a budget is reorganizing my closet . Layering and buying pieces and accessories that look great always. If I buy something new it has to be affordable and have a purpose. I buy something for me once in a blue moon
 
5) Do you have any tips for developing ones personal style? 
Find things that you like and say who you are. Age and culture say a lot about the stuff you wear or "should" wear. I wear things based on the event, if I'm comfortable too.
  
6) What is your favorite fashion tip for women of any size, shape and budget?
Finding things that flatter and bring attention away from flaws. Certain hems and styles of jeans need to be specific to the body . Dark jeans with no white washing look best for voluptuous girls. I think buying things that can be worn for multiple occasions or dressed down or up make styles go further.


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If you would like to be featured, please email me at frugalistafatshionista(at)yahoo(dot)com...and special thanks again to Marisa for participating!